In order to implement this article, coroners are authorized to disinter any body already buried and, like a sheriff, to command the power of the county for that purpose. Medical examiners, other than local medical examiners, may likewise exercise such authority in any case wherein such authority is granted by an order of the judge of the superior court of the county. Such orders may be granted by judges of the superior courts, in their discretion, upon petition of any medical examiner other than a local medical examiner.
History. Orig. Code 1863, § 567; Code 1868, § 631; Code 1873, § 590; Code 1882, § 590; Penal Code 1895, § 1258; Penal Code 1910, § 1340; Code 1933, § 21-205; Ga. L. 1953, Jan.-Feb. Sess., p. 602, § 21; Ga. L. 1990, p. 1735, § 3.
Cross references.
Penalty for disinterment of body without good grounds, § 31-21-42 .
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