South Carolina § 17-7-20 - Requirement of preliminary examination before formal inquest; issuance of burial permit, conclusion of inquiry or formal inquest.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-7-20 — Requirement of preliminary examination before formal inquest; issuance of burial permit, conclusion of inquiry or formal inquest., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-7-20. Requirement of preliminary examination before formal inquest; issuance of burial permit, conclusion of inquiry or formal inquest.
Whenever a body is found dead and an investigation or inquest is deemed advisable the coroner or the magistrate acting as coroner, as the case may be, shall go to the body and examine the witnesses most likely to be able to explain the cause of death, take their testimony in writing and decide for himself whether there ought to be a trial or whether blame probably attaches to any living person for the death, and if so and if he shall receive the written request, if any, required by SECTION 17-7-50, he shall proceed to summon a jury and hold a formal inquest as required by law. But if there be, in his judgment, no apparent or probable blame against living persons as to the death he shall issue a burial permit and all further inquiry or formal inquest shall be dispensed with. Provided, however, that the coroner of Charleston County is authorized and empowered to issue a death certificate.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 17-91; 1952 Code SECTION 17-91; 1942 Code SECTION 1097; 1932 Code SECTION 1097; Cr. P. '22 SECTION 184; Cr. C. '12 SECTION 1027; Cr. C. '02 SECTION 729; 1894 (21) 825; 1964 (53) 2367.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 17-7-20
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-7-20 cover?
Section 17-7-20 ("Requirement of preliminary examination before formal inquest; issuance of burial permit, conclusion of inquiry or formal inquest.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. 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 South Carolina § 17-7-20?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-7-20" (South Carolina). 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 South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 17-7-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina 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 South Carolina.