Explanatory Notes

Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006

2006 asp 4

16 March 2006

The Act – an Overview

Part 2:  Post-Mortem Examinations

Section 26 – Consent by procurator fiscal to post-mortem examination

66.Subsection (1) equates to the provision in section 1(5) of the Human Tissue Act 1961 (c.54) with regard to post-mortem examinations. Where the person proposing to undertake a post-mortem examination knows, or has reason to believe, that the fiscal’s purposes may require an examination of the body, the post-mortem examination may not be carried out unless the consent of the fiscal has been obtained. Subsection (2) provides that for the purposes of subsection (1) the fiscal may give consent verbally, provided it is confirmed in writing as soon as is reasonably practicable.