South Carolina Funeral Law Practice Exam

What must the coroner or medical examiner do with unidentifiable remains?

1. They must be cremated immediately.

2. They must be buried or interred in a local cemetery.

3. They can be left in the morgue.

4. They must be returned to family if identified later.

The correct answer is: They must be buried or interred in a local cemetery.

The correct answer highlights the legal responsibilities of coroners and medical examiners regarding unidentifiable remains. In South Carolina, when human remains cannot be identified and the circumstances surrounding their death are unclear, the coroner or medical examiner is typically required to ensure that the remains are treated with dignity and respect. This often includes the responsibility to properly bury or inter these remains in a local cemetery. This process serves several purposes. Firstly, it ensures that the remains are not left unattended or forgotten, which could lead to ethical dilemmas and public health concerns. Secondly, it provides a somber acknowledgment of the deceased individual's humanity, regardless of their identification status. By ensuring proper burial, the system also legitimizes a funeral practice that aligns with societal norms around respect for the deceased, which is important for the communities involved. The other choices present options that do not align with legal standards or ethical practices concerning unidentifiable remains. Immediate cremation, leaving remains in the morgue, or returning remains to family members, particularly before identification is established, can pose legal and ethical challenges. Thus, the burial or interment in a local cemetery represents the most responsible course of action.