Iowa legal term
Death in Iowa Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Iowa legislative session
In Iowa criminal law, “Death” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Iowa criminal code.
What does “Death” mean in Iowa criminal law?
“Death” means the condition determined by the following standard: A person will be considered dead if in the announced opinion of a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 148, a physician assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 148C, or a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse licensed pursuant to chapter 152, based on ordinary standards of medical practice, that person has experienced an irreversible cessation of spontaneous respiratory and circulatory functions. (Iowa Code § 702.8)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Animal abuse penalties
- Animal facilities
- Animal neglect penalties
- Animal torture penalties
- Dependent adult abuse initiation of charges penalty
- False reports to or communications with public safety entities
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Nonconsensual termination
- Persons under eighteen
- Possessing contraband
- Sale or offer for direct sale of prescription drugs
- Stalking
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.