Montana Code Annotated 2019

TITLE 46. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

CHAPTER 4. INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES

Part 1. Investigation of Death -- Autopsy

Jurisdiction -- Death And Cause Of Death In Different Counties

46-4-101. Jurisdiction -- death and cause of death in different counties. (1) The coroner of the county where a dead human body is found has jurisdiction if:

(a) the place of death is unknown;

(b) the dead human body was shipped into the county without proper permits; or

(c) the death occurred while the deceased was in transit in the state.

(2) When death occurs as a direct result of acts or events that occurred in another county, the coroner of the county where the acts or events causing death occurred has jurisdiction. If a coroner that has jurisdiction of a death fails to act, the state medical examiner has jurisdiction.

(3) A county coroner has primary jurisdiction in the county in which the coroner is appointed or elected to serve. However, a qualified coroner may serve in another county upon the request of the coroner or county attorney of that county. A coroner may travel to another county to inquire into a death pursuant to 46-4-122.

History: En. 95-812 by Sec. 1, Ch. 196, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 95-812; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 660, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1729, Ch. 56, L. 2009.