Louisiana § RS 8:653 - Opening graves; stealing body; receiving same
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 8:653 — Opening graves; stealing body; receiving same, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 8:653. Opening graves; stealing body; receiving same
A. Every person who removes the dead body of a human being or any part thereof from a cemetery space where the same has been interred or is awaiting interment or cremation, without authority of law, with intent to sell the same, or for the purposes of securing a reward for its return, or for dissection, or from malice or wantonness, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by both.
B. Whoever purchases or receives, except for interment or cremation, any such dead body or any part thereof, knowing that the same has been removed in violation of this Section, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or both.
C. Whoever opens a cemetery space, temporary or otherwise, or a building where a dead body is deposited while awaiting interment or cremation, with intent to remove said body or any part thereof, for the purpose of selling or demanding money or any other thing of value for the same, for dissection, from malice or wantonness, or with intent to sell or remove the coffin or of any part thereof, or anything attached thereto, or any vestment or other article interred or intended to be interred with the body, shall be punishable by imprisonment for not more than three years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or both.
Acts 1974, No. 417, §1; Acts 2022, No. 574, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 8:653
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 8:653 cover?
Section RS 8:653 ("Opening graves; stealing body; receiving same") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. 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 Louisiana § RS 8:653?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 8:653" (Louisiana). 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 Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 8:653 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana 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 Louisiana.