Rhode Island § 23-4-4 - Office of State Medical Examiners
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 23-4-4 — Office of State Medical Examiners, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-4-4. Office of State Medical Examiners
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4-4
§ 23-4-4. Jurisdiction.
The office of state medical examiners shall have the authority to make postmortem examinations, to undertake inquests, and to perform autopsies where there may be in its judgment a reasonable belief that the manner of death could be pronounced as:
(1) Death by a homicide, suicide, or casualty;
(2) Death due to a criminal abortion;
(3) Death due to an accident involving lack of due care on the part of a person other than the deceased;
(4) Death which is the immediate or remote consequences of any physical or toxic injury incurred while the deceased person was employed;
(5) Death due to the use of addictive or unidentifiable chemical agents; or
(6) Death due to an infectious agent capable of spreading an epidemic within the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 169, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 23-4-4
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 23-4-4 cover?
Section 23-4-4 ("Office of State Medical Examiners") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island § 23-4-4?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 23-4-4" (Rhode Island). 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 Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 23-4-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.