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Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) In this chapter:
(1) “Autopsy” means a post mortem examination of the body of a person, including X-rays and an examination of the internal organs and structures after dissection, to determine the cause of death or the nature of any pathological changes that may have contributed to the death.
(2) “Inquest” means an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the death of a person, and a determination, made with or without a formal court hearing, as to whether the death was caused by an unlawful act or omission.
(3) “Inquest hearing” means a formal court hearing held to determine whether the death of a person was caused by an unlawful act or omission and, if the death was caused by an unlawful act or omission, to obtain evidence to form the basis of a criminal prosecution.
(4) “Institution” means any place where health care services are rendered, including a hospital, clinic, health facility, nursing home, extended-care facility, out-patient facility, foster-care facility, and retirement home.
(5) “Physician” means a practicing doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine who is licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners under Subtitle B 1, Title 3, Occupations Code.
(b) For purposes of this chapter, a person or body is considered unidentified if:
(1) the deceased person's legal name is unknown; and
(2) there is no known person with the duty to inter the deceased person's remains under Section 711.002(a), Health and Safety Code.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Texas Code of Criminal Procedure - CRIM P Art. 49.01. Definitions - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/code-of-criminal-procedure/crim-ptx-crim-pro-art-49-01/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
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