Tennessee § 39-17-312 - Abuse of corpse.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-312 — Abuse of corpse., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-17-312. Abuse of corpse.
A person commits an offense who, without legal privilege, knowingly: Physically mistreats a corpse in a manner offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person; Disinters a corpse that has been buried or otherwise interred; or Disposes of a corpse in a manner known to be in violation of law. A person commits an offense who, without legal authority or privilege, knowingly offers to sell, sells, offers to purchase or purchases previously buried human skeletal remains. Any remains seized in violation of this subsection (b) shall be confiscated and subject to disposition as provided for in §§ 11-6-104 and 11-6-119. A violation of this section is a Class E felony. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2006, ch. 896, § 1. Sentencing Commission Comments. This section consolidates and simplifies former code sections. Compiler's Notes. The sentencing commission terminated June 30, 1995. Sentencing Commission Comments have been retained, but do not reflect 1995 or subsequent legislation. Cross-References. Alleging grave-robbing, § 40-13-220 . Identification of grave in indictment, § 40-13-220 . Penalty for Class E felony, § 40-35-111 . Recipients of dead bodies to be notified of communicable diseases and AIDS, § 68-5-102 . Vandalism, § 39-14-408 . Violation of graves indictable without prosecutor, § 40-13-104 . Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 5 Tenn. Juris., Cemeteries, § 10; 9 Tenn. Juris., Dead Bodies, § 1.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-17-312
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-312 cover?
Section 39-17-312 ("Abuse of corpse.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. 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 Tennessee § 39-17-312?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-312" (Tennessee). 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 Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 39-17-312 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.