Book of Inquisition

In a letter to this Office you referenced a provision in recently-enacted legislation, R-356, which states: (c)opies of death certificates may be issued to members of the deceased's family or their respective legal representatives. Others who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest may be issued copies when information is needed for the determination of a personal or property right. Other applicants may be provided with a statement that the death occurred, the date, and county of death. However, when fifty years have elapsed after the date of death, these records become public records and any person may obtain copies upon submission of an application containing sufficient information to locate the record. You stated that the Book of Inquisition maintained by your office contains the same information provided on death certificates in addition to autopsy results, results of toxicological studies, and the cause of death. You questioned whether the...