Specific Situations

Bolivia Legal Analysis

According to Article 48 of Supreme Decree No. 24247 of March 7, 1999, when a body is found and the person’s identity is unknown, the Civil Registry Officer registers the death upon a judicial order, or, if no judge is available, with authorization from the administrative, military, or ecclesiastical authority. In such cases, the registrar must record in the comments section: the place of death or where the body was found; the sex, apparent age, and distinguishing anatomical features; the probable time of death; the condition and position of the body; and a description of the clothing, documents, or objects found with the deceased that may assist in identification. The law does not specify a time frame for registration or designate the head of the local police as the primary informant.