Pennsylvania Act 1907-78 — SUSPICIOUS DEATHS, PRESCRIBING PUBLIC OFFICERS DUTIES

Act text

SUSPICIOUS DEATHS, PRESCRIBING PUBLIC OFFICERS DUTIES
                  Act of Apr. 16, 1907, P.L. 92, No. 78               Cl. 16
                                  AN ACT

     Defining the duty of coroners, where death is sudden or violent,
        or is of a suspicious nature and character, and of police,
        and health authorities, in this Commonwealth, in reference to
        the disposition of bodies of persons whose cause of death may
        be the subject of inquiry by the coroner, but where it
        appears the cause of death is not surrounded by suspicious
        circumstances. (Title amended Jul. 12, 1935, P.L.710, No.274)
        Section 1.  Be it enacted, &c., That it shall be the duty of
     the coroner or the deputy coroner of any county in this
     Commonwealth, in all cases where death is sudden or violent or
     is of a suspicious nature and character, to cause a careful
     investigation of the facts concerning said death to be made, to
     ascertain whether the death was due to other than natural
     causes, and to make or cause to be made such an autopsy as the
     facts of the case may demand.
        (1 reenacted and amended July 12, 1935, P.L.710, No.274)

        Compiler's Note:  Section 2901 of Act 130 of 1955 provided
            that section 1 is repealed insofar as it relates to
            counties of the third to eighth class.
        Compiler's Note:  Section 3301 of Act 230 of 1953 provided
            that section 1 is repealed insofar as it relates to
            counties of the second class.
        Section 2.  That in all cases of sudden or violent death,
     where it appears the cause of death is not surrounded by any
     suspicious circumstances, the body of the deceased shall be sent
     immediately by the police or health authorities, if the death
     shall occur away from the home or residence of the deceased, to
     the same, or to such relatives or friends who may claim the
     body; or, in absence of any knowledge as to the person, his or
     her home, residence, relatives or friends, the health board or
     police authorities of any county, city, borough or township
     shall take possession of such body, and keep the same in such
     place as may be provided by said authorities, for the purpose of
     remaining for a limited time for identification; and any effects
     found on the body shall be handed over by said police or health
     authorities to the coroner or deputy coroner who shall be
     notified of the death, and the effects found on the body shall
     be given by the coroner or deputy coroner to those legally
     entitled to the same: Provided, That the coroner shall have the
     right to view any such body, and to investigate the facts or
     causes of said death, if in his opinion the same is required.
        (2 reenacted and amended Jul. 12, 1935, P.L.710, No.274)