26B-8-204. Investigation of deaths — Requests for autopsies.
| (1) |
The following have authority to investigate a death described in Section 26B-8-205 and any other case which may be within their jurisdiction:
Terms Used In Utah Code 26B-8-204- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- Medical examiner: means the state medical examiner appointed pursuant to Section 26B-8-202 or a deputy appointed by the medical examiner. See Utah Code 26B-8-201
- Regional pathologist: means a trained pathologist licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the state, appointed by the medical examiner pursuant to Subsection 26B-8-202(3). See Utah Code 26B-8-201
| (a) |
the attorney general or an assistant attorney general; |
| (b) |
the district attorney or county attorney who has criminal jurisdiction over the death or case; |
| (c) |
a deputy of the district attorney or county attorney described in Subsection (1)(b); or |
| (d) |
a peace officer within the jurisdiction described in Subsection (1)(b). |
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| (2) |
If, in the opinion of the medical examiner, an autopsy should be performed or if an autopsy is requested by the district attorney or county attorney having criminal jurisdiction, or by the attorney general, the autopsy shall be performed by the medical examiner or a regional pathologist. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 306, 2023 General Session
