What crime is committed by a person who mutilates or grossly abuses a dead human body?

The correct response identifies that mutilating or grossly abusing a dead human body constitutes a second-degree felony. Florida law takes offenses involving the disrespect or abuse of deceased individuals very seriously, reflecting societal values about the dignity of the dead.

A second-degree felony in Florida can lead to significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. This severity aligns with the strong legal and moral stance that the state maintains on preserving the sanctity of human remains. In addition to the potential legal consequences, such actions are perceived as violations of the respect owed to individuals after their death, which is why they are categorized under serious offenses.

Understanding the classification of this crime as a second-degree felony is important for recognizing the severity of legal repercussions and the intention behind these laws—protecting the dignity of individuals even in death, and ensuring that their remains are treated appropriately.