Clearlake, CA asked in Uncategorized for California

Q: Can I auction off my dead body for katana/sword cutting practice?

When I reach my expiration date, can I direct that the remaining carcass may be auctioned off (proceeds going to family) for sword cutting practice to highest bidder?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: No, you cannot auction off your dead body for sword cutting practice. In the United States, it is illegal to buy or sell human remains for any purpose, including for use in activities such as sword cutting practice. Additionally, such a practice would likely violate ethical standards and could potentially lead to legal repercussions for those involved. Even if you express this desire in a will or other legal document, it would not be enforceable, as it goes against public policy and laws regarding the treatment of human remains.

Furthermore, auctioning off human remains for any purpose, including for the benefit of your family, would likely be considered disrespectful and inappropriate. Human remains are generally treated with dignity and respect, and using them for entertainment or commercial purposes is widely considered unethical and unacceptable. It is important to explore alternative ways to support your family after your passing that do not involve the exploitation or disrespect of human remains.

Instead of considering such a drastic and unethical course of action, you may want to explore other options for providing for your family's financial needs after your death. This could include creating a comprehensive estate plan, including life insurance policies, trusts, or other financial instruments that can provide for your family's needs without resorting to controversial or illegal methods. Additionally, consulting with a qualified attorney can help you explore legal and ethical options for ensuring your family's financial security and honoring your wishes after your passing.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.