Which law determines the legal status of a deceased body?

The legal status of a deceased body is primarily governed by ecclesiastical law, which pertains to matters of the church and can influence how bodies are treated, particularly in terms of burial and rites following death. Historically, ecclesiastical law has played a significant role in defining the responsibilities regarding the dead and how their remains should be handled according to religious beliefs and practices.

In many cultures, ecclesiastical authorities were some of the first to establish regulations concerning the treatment of the deceased, often considering issues such as the sanctity of the body and the appropriateness of burial practices. Besides, ecclesiastical law may specify the conditions under which a body may be prepared for burial or cremation, reflecting societal values toward death and the afterlife.

Civil law, while addressing many aspects of end-of-life matters, does not specifically dictate the treatment or status of a deceased body. Criminal law focuses on actions that are against the law and punishable by the state, which can touch on issues related to the respect of the deceased but does not govern the status as ecclesiastical law does. Common law encompasses legal principles developed through court decisions rather than statutes, and while it may address aspects relating to the deceased in some jurisdictions, it lacks the specific religious or moral