Oklahoma § 21-1163 - Unlawful interference with places of burial

Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 21-1163 — Unlawful interference with places of burial, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 21-1163. Unlawful interference with places of burial

Any person who opens any grave or any place of burial, temporary

or otherwise, or who breaks open any building wherein any dead body

of a human being is deposited while awaiting burial, with intent

either:

1. To remove any dead body of a human being for the purpose of

selling the same, or for the purpose of dissection; or

2. To steal the coffin, or any part thereof or anything

attached thereto, or connected therewith, or the vestments or other

articles buried with the same,

shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class D3 felony offense

punishable by imprisonment as provided for in subsections B through

F of Section 20P of this title, or by a fine not exceeding Two

Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00), or by both such fine and

imprisonment.

R.L. 1910, § 2458. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 302, eff. July

1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 203, eff. July 1, 1999;

Laws 2025, c. 486, § 676, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.

NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective

date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 302 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.

Source: official Oklahoma text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 21-1163

What does Oklahoma Statutes § 21-1163 cover?

Section 21-1163 ("Unlawful interference with places of burial") is part of the Oklahoma Statutes, the codified statutory law of Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma § 21-1163?

A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 21-1163" (Oklahoma). 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 Oklahoma law?

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

How does Oklahoma § 21-1163 apply to my situation?

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