[Autopsy legal under the law]

Abstract

Only a physician specialized in forensic medicine is allowed to process a autopsy legal. The 2011 reform of forensic medicine aimed to homogenize and enhance thanatological practices over French state territory. According to the law, biological samples withdrawn during an autopsy can't be given back to the families after analysis(art. 230-30 CPP). Respecting the human body and restoring their physical aspect are mandatory by law (art. 230-29 CPP). After a autopsy legal, dead bodies must be given back to their relatives as soon as possible.