Illinois § 12-20.6

Full text of Illinois Illinois Compiled Statutes § 12-20.6, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12-20.6.

Abuse of a corpse. (a) In this Section: "Corpse" means the dead body of a human being. "Sexual conduct" has the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 11-0.1 of this Code. (b) A person commits abuse of a corpse if he or she intentionally: (1) engages in sexual conduct with a corpse or involving a corpse; or (2) removes or carries away a corpse and is not authorized by law to do so. (c) Sentence. (1) A person convicted of violating paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Section is guilty of a Class 2 felony. (2) A person convicted of violating paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of this Section is guilty of a Class 4 felony. (d) Paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of this Section does not apply to: (1) persons employed by a county medical examiner's office or coroner's office acting within the scope of their employment; (2) the acts of a licensed funeral director or embalmer while performing acts authorized by the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code; (3) cemeteries and cemetery personnel while performing acts pursuant to a bona fide request from the involved cemetery consumer or his or her heirs, or pursuant to an interment or disinterment permit or a court order, or as authorized under Section 14.5 of the Cemetery Protection Act, or any other actions legally authorized for cemetery employees; (4) the acts of emergency medical personnel or physicians performed in good faith and according to the usual and customary standards of medical practice in an attempt to resuscitate a life; (5) physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or holding a visiting professor, physician, or resident permit under the Medical Practice Act of 1987, performing acts in accordance with usual and customary standards of medical practice, or a currently enrolled student in an accredited medical school in furtherance of his or her education at the accredited medical school; or (6) removing or carrying away a corpse by the employees, independent contractors, or other persons designated by the federally designated organ procurement agency engaged in the organ and tissue procurement process. (Source: P.A. 97-1072, eff. 8-24-12.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois § 12-20.6

What does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 12-20.6 cover?

Section 12-20.6 is part of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutory law of Illinois. 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 Illinois § 12-20.6?

A common citation format is "Illinois Compiled Statutes § 12-20.6" (Illinois). 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 Illinois law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Illinois official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Illinois attorney.

How does Illinois § 12-20.6 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Illinois 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 Illinois.