Mortuary Science Practice Exam

Who issues a disinterment/reinterment permit if the next of kin does not consent?

1. County Clerk

2. Circuit Court

3. Department of Health

4. Local Government

The correct answer is: Circuit Court

The issuance of a disinterment/reinterment permit without the consent of the next of kin typically falls under the jurisdiction of a judicial authority, which is represented by the Circuit Court. In legal contexts, when there is a disagreement among family members or a lack of consent from the next of kin for exhumation, a court may be asked to intervene. The court will consider the circumstances and make a decision based on the law, ensuring that the rights of all parties are considered and that the actions taken are legally compliant. The other options do not have the direct authority to issue permits in cases where consent is lacking. For instance, the County Clerk primarily manages administrative paperwork and records rather than making determinations about disinterment. The Department of Health may regulate health-related aspects of burial practices but does not handle the legal consent issues. Local Government may have oversight over burial grounds and related regulations, but again, they typically would not have the capacity to resolve disputes regarding consent for disinterment, placing the Circuit Court in the appropriate position to handle such matters legally.