Colorado § 12-240-140 - Determination of death.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-240-140 — Determination of death., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-240-140. Determination of death.
(1) An individual is dead if:
(a) The individual has sustained irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions; or
(b) The individual has sustained irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem.
(2) A determination of death under this section shall be in accordance with accepted medical standards.
Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1218, § 1, effective October 1.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-36-136 as it existed prior to 2019.
ANNOTATION
Law reviews. For article, "Probate and Non-probate Distribution Issues in the Case of A Murder/Suicide", see 17 Colorado Law 1061 (1988).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 12-240-140
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-240-140 cover?
Section 12-240-140 ("Determination of death.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 12-240-140?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-240-140" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 12-240-140 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.