Title: Identify possible issues encountered when preparing a decedent for burial.
Course: Introduction to Mortuary Science (14299) > Section: Understanding Laws Related to Funeral Service Practice and Public Health

Identification should include

- restrictions on burials of those dying of a communicable disease
- complications resulting from a decedent detained in an action of replevin (holding a body for ransom)
- effect of the decedent's wishes with respect to exercising the right and duty of disposition
- a decedent's survivors dispute the right of disposition
- characteristics of decedent (e.g., size of casket, cemetery plot size).

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the legal rights of the funeral home to hold cremated remains until the family pays their funeral expenses in full?
- Whose rights take precedence when death occurs, the decedents or the surviving family’s wishes?
- How might a funeral director handle family disputes regarding what type of services should be given a decedent?