Utah § 76-5-802 - Abuse or desecration of a dead human body.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-5-802 — Abuse or desecration of a dead human body., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 76-5-802. Abuse or desecration of a dead human body.
Effective 10/14/2025 76-5-802.
Abuse or desecration of a dead human body.
(1)
(a)
As used in this section, "sexual penetration" means the penetration, however slight, of the genital or anal opening by any object, substance, instrument, or device, including a part of the human body, or penetration involving the genitals of the actor and the mouth of a dead human body.
(b)
Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-5-801 apply to this section.
(2)
An actor commits abuse or desecration of a dead human body if the actor intentionally and unlawfully:
(a)
disturbs, moves, removes, conceals, or destroys a dead human body or any part of the dead human body;
(b)
disinters a buried or otherwise interred dead human body, without authority of a court order;
(c)
dismembers a dead human body to any extent, or damages or detaches any part or portion of a dead human body; or
(d)
commits or attempts to commit upon any dead human body any act of sexual penetration, regardless of the sex of the actor and of the dead human body.
(3)
A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony.
(4)
An actor does not violate this section if when the actor directs or carries out procedures regarding a dead human body, the actor complies with:
Section 76-5-802 ("Abuse or desecration of a dead human body.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 76-5-802?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-5-802" (Utah). 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 Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 76-5-802 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
