According to H&S 7102, the coroner's custody continues until which event?

• A. 24 hours
• B. 72 hours
• C. 48 hours
• D. The conclusion of the autopsy

Answer: (D)

The important idea is that the coroner’s custody is linked to completing the examination of the body. Under Health and Safety Code 7102, the coroner (or medical examiner) holds custody while the autopsy and related investigative steps are carried out to determine the cause and manner of death and preserve any evidence. The custody ends when the autopsy is finished, allowing the body to be released for disposition. There is no fixed hourly limit in this rule—the custody ends at the conclusion of the autopsy.