Legal Question in Criminal Law in Indiana

Display of Artificial human corpse

I am curious if there are any laws against the display of an artificial human corpse. The corpse in question is a hand-made halloween prop and is very convincing at a glance. I would like to avoid any trouble, and would like as much information as possible as to legal and appropriate uses for realistic, yet fake, human corpse halloween props. I would like any suggestions as to where this information could be found.


Asked on 2/02/04, 9:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Ralph Tambasco Tambasco & Associates,P.C. Attornenys at Law

Re: Display of Artificial human corpse

This is an issue which which goes beyond whether it's prohibited expressly by law or not. The time, place and manner in which it is displayed may be be very critical. If this is part of expressing a point of view regarding an issue, it could fall under protected speech (First Amendment US constitution).

Yet, if it is disprutive, creates a public hazzard, exposed to those who are very sensitive or impressionable as children, if used just as a joke which creates a false report and engagement of public resorces, this could be a very big problem.

Without additional facts and full review it would be very difficult to provide a black and white response. Until all the above factors are considered, which are by no means exhaustive, the best course of action would seem to be to refrain from diplaying this item. At least until you have consulted with someone who has been given all the facts and reasons for it's intended use. Then only after a full review of the ramifications of displaying it, you may then make an informed decision.

At this point display of the item described would NOT be recommended.

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Answered on 2/03/04, 9:28 am


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