South Dakota § 34-27-18 - Opening grave or breaking building with intent to remove body or coffin as misdemeanor.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 34-27-18 — Opening grave or breaking building with intent to remove body or coffin as misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-27-18. Opening grave or breaking building with intent to remove body or coffin as misdemeanor.
Every 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;
is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Source: PenC 1877, § 360; CL 1887, § 6561; RPenC 1903, § 365; RC 1919, § 3879; SDC 1939, § 13.1422; SL 1977, ch 190, § 73.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 34-27-18
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 34-27-18 cover?
Section 34-27-18 ("Opening grave or breaking building with intent to remove body or coffin 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 § 34-27-18?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 34-27-18" (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 § 34-27-18 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.