Section 34-26-4 - Dissection authorized by spouse or next of kin

34-26-4. Dissection authorized by spouse or next of kin.The right to dissect the dead body of a human being exists whenever any spouse or next of kin of a deceased person, or any other person, being charged by law with the duty of burial authorizes such dissection of the dead body or any part thereof for the purpose of ascertaining the cause of death or for the purpose of scientific use or advancement of medical science. Source: PenC 1877, §351, subdiv 3; CL 1887, §6552, subdiv 3; RPenC 1903, §356, subdiv 3; RC 1919, §3870 (3); SDC 1939, §27.1304 (3); SL 1963, ch 152.