South Dakota § 23-14-19 - Joint custody of dead bodies and effects--Movement prohibited--Violation as misdemeanor.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 23-14-19 — Joint custody of dead bodies and effects--Movement prohibited--Violation as misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-14-19. Joint custody of dead bodies and effects--Movement prohibited--Violation as misdemeanor.
As to any death, the cause and manner of which is in the public interest, the county coroner and law enforcement agency exercising investigative control over such death shall jointly take charge of and exercise complete control over all dead bodies and all effects affixed thereto to determine the physiological cause of death. The investigating law enforcement officers, including the state's attorney or attorney general shall have control over all other elements of evidence demonstrating a potential criminal circumstance of death. No dead body subject to control by the coroner having investigative control may be moved from the scene of death without the coroner's permission unless the body directly obstructs a public transportation right-of-way or poses an immediate health hazard. No dead body subject to coroner control under this section may be embalmed without the express authority of the investigating coroner. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: SL 1985, ch 191, § 2.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 23-14-19
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 23-14-19 cover?
Section 23-14-19 ("Joint custody of dead bodies and effects--Movement prohibited--Violation as misdemeanor.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. 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 Dakota § 23-14-19?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 23-14-19" (South Dakota). 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 Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 23-14-19 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota 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 Dakota.