If someone displays skeletal remains for profit, what is the charge they face?

Displaying skeletal remains for profit falls under specific legal statutes concerning the handling of human remains. In Oklahoma, the treatment of human remains is subject to strict regulations, and displaying such remains typically violates laws pertaining to the proper handling and respect of deceased individuals and their remains. When these activities are done for profit, the law is particularly stringent, assigning criminal liability for such actions.

In this context, a misdemeanor charge is appropriate because, while the act of displaying human skeletal remains is serious, it generally does not rise to the level of a felony. Felonies typically involve more severe or violent offenses, whereas misdemeanors encompass a range of criminal behaviors that are less serious, including violations of public decency and respect for human dignity.

Understanding this classification helps clarify how the legal system views the propriety of using human remains in a commercial manner, while also emphasizing the importance of respecting the deceased. Therefore, a misdemeanor charge effectively captures the gravity of the offense without escalating it to a felony level.