Legal Definitions - rigor mortis

RIGOR MORTIS

Rigor mortis is a natural process that occurs after death, where the body's joints and muscles become temporarily stiff. The onset of rigor mortis can vary from 15 minutes to several hours after death, depending on the body's condition and atmospheric factors.

After a person dies, their body will eventually go through rigor mortis. This means that their limbs and joints will become stiff and difficult to move. For example, if someone dies with their arms outstretched, their arms may remain in that position due to rigor mortis.

Another example of rigor mortis is when a person's jaw becomes locked shut. This can make it difficult for medical professionals to perform certain procedures, such as inserting a breathing tube.

One more example of rigor mortis is when a person's body is found in a seated position, their legs may remain bent due to the stiffness caused by rigor mortis.

Rigor mortis is a natural process that occurs after death, and it can affect different parts of the body in different ways. The examples provided illustrate how rigor mortis can cause the body to become stiff and difficult to move, which can impact medical procedures and the position in which the body is found.