A dead body, other than skeletal remains, taken into custody under this article shall be released to the next of kin of the deceased, or to the agent of the next of kin, no later than 24 hours after the demand for release by that next of kin, or agent thereof, unless by that time the peace officer, medical examiner, or coroner has made a written finding that foul play may have been involved in the death of the deceased.
History. Code 1981, § 45-16-25.1 , enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 728, § 1; Ga. L. 1990, p. 1735, § 3.
Structure Georgia Code
Title 45 - Public Officers and Employees
Article 2 - Death Investigations
§ 45-16-25.1. Releasing Remains of Deceased to Next of Kin; Exception
§ 45-16-28. Performance of Autopsy When Not Required Under Code Section 45-16-24
§ 45-16-29. Removal of Body Generally
§ 45-16-30. Transport of Body Across State Line
§ 45-16-33. Coroner to Make Inquest Upon Completion of Examination and Verification
§ 45-16-34. Issuance of Subpoenas; Administration of Oath to Witnesses
§ 45-16-36. Impaneling of Jury to Hold Inquest; Compensation of Jurors
§ 45-16-37. When Jury to Be Impaneled; Jury Not Required to View Body
§ 45-16-38. Issuance of Precept to Sheriff to Summon Inquest Jury; Form
§ 45-16-39. Oath for Foreperson and Jury of Inquest
§ 45-16-40. Coroner’s Charge to Jury; Power of Jury
§ 45-16-41. Defaulting Juror to Be Fined by Coroner
§ 45-16-42. Offering in Evidence of Results of Examination
§ 45-16-45. Authority of Coroners and Medical Examiners to Disinter Bodies
§ 45-16-47. Penalty for Violation of Article
§ 45-16-48. Coroner’s Employment of Court Reporter
§ 45-16-50. Providing Biological Substances to Canine Instructors or Schools
§ 45-16-51. Interment of Unidentified Human Remains; Disinterment for Identification