Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 46. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

CHAPTER 4. INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES

Part 1. Investigation of Death -- Autopsy

Powers Of Coroner

46-4-110. Powers of coroner. In the performance of duties under this chapter, the coroner may:

(1) pronounce the fact of death of any human being under circumstances in which the coroner has a duty to inquire pursuant to 46-4-122;

(2) certify and amend death certificates as considered necessary in circumstances under which the coroner has a duty to inquire pursuant to 46-4-122;

(3) issue subpoenas pursuant to 46-4-112;

(4) order postmortem examinations as provided in 46-4-103;

(5) conduct examinations and tests as considered necessary to determine the cause, manner, and circumstances of death and identification of a dead human body as provided in 46-4-101 and 46-4-113;

(6) order a dead human body to be disinterred or removed from its place of disposition, with or without the consent of the next of kin, under circumstances in which the coroner has a duty to inquire pursuant to 46-4-122;

(7) conduct inquests pursuant to 46-4-201; and

(8) order cessation of any activity by any person or agency, other than the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, that may obstruct or hinder the orderly conduct of an inquiry or the collection of information or evidence needed for an inquiry.

History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 660, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1730, Ch. 56, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 194, L. 2017.