Who has the authority to authorize a dissection of a body?

The authority to authorize a dissection of a body primarily rests with the spouse or next of kin. This is because family members typically have the legal and emotional connection to the deceased and are considered the rightful decision-makers when it comes to matters relating to the disposition of the body, including any post-mortem examinations or dissections.

In many jurisdictions, including Washington, laws recognize the spouse or next of kin as having the primary say in such sensitive matters. Their approval is crucial, not only from a legal standpoint but also in respecting the wishes and sentiments of the family regarding the deceased.

While other parties, such as a coroner, may initiate dissections under certain circumstances—particularly in cases of suspicious deaths or medical legal investigations—the coroner's authority is exercised in the interest of public safety, and not as a replacement for the decisions of the family. Therefore, the family’s consent remains essential, highlighting the importance of their role in such decisions.