| One major stumbling block in paranormal research is the legal ignorance of those who pursue this study. Too often, people make assumptions about their rights or the rights of others, or the authority of law. YOU CAN'T DO THAT!!! Do not make assumptions! The laws are actually quite clear, but they can be difficult to find. Therefore, as we come across portions of the legal code that directly relate to the paanormal researcher, we will be posting those laws and their web-links on these pages. We recommend that you print out these sections, place them in a binder, and keep them with you when on an investigation. Make sure that all team members can get quick access and are familiar enough with them to rapidly find specific regulations if needed. It is highly advised that you do further research at the federal, state, county, and municipal level, since the relevant laws are spread throughout the legal codes. In all cases, your actions and knowledge of the law are your own responsibility. =============================================================================================================== Texas Cemetery Law Many beginning paranormal researchers start out investigating the local cemetary. This is not a bad thing; it gives an opportunity to test new equipment and check old equipment, it allows valuable practice for inexperienced team members, and Texas Health and Safety Code, Subtitle C Chapter 711 Section 9 : Authority of a cemetery keeper Section 10 : unknown or abandoned cemeteries Section 11 : filing records of unoknown cemeteries Section 31 : rules and civil penalties Section 41 : access to cemetery grounds Chapter 713 Section 1 : municipal cemetery authorized Section 9 : local posession and control of unkept or abandoned cemetery Section 10 : private care of graves (refers to municipal regulations) Section 11 : private care of graves (refers to county regulations) Chapter 715 Section 14 : cemetery open to the public Section 15 : exemption Attorney General's Statement on the THSC Excerpts from a Judicial Opinion regarding application of Chapter 711 of the Health and Safety Code specifically to cemeteries established in the nineteenth century, issued by John Cornyn, State Attorney General, on March 14,200l Texas Historical Commission An excerpt from "Desecration of Historic Cemeteries: A Brief Assessment by the Texas Historical Commission" (This is an excellent read for anyone concerned about the increase in cemetery-related crimes) Texas Penal Code, Chapter 42 , Section 8 (disorderly conduct, abuse of a corpse) The chapter title says it all. =============================================================================================================== Back to the Research Resources Page Back to the Front Page |
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| Legal Concerns |