No, cannibalism is illegal in Arkansas under state statutes prohibiting homicide, abuse of a corpse, and public health violations. Arkansas Code § 5-10-101 criminalizes first-degree murder, which encompasses acts leading to consumption of human flesh. The Arkansas Department of Health enforces regulations under § 20-19-303, prohibiting the handling or distribution of human remains in a manner inconsistent with public safety. While no law explicitly names cannibalism, prosecutors may pursue charges under existing criminal or health codes, particularly if the act involves coercion, minors, or commercial exploitation.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Arkansas
- Homicide Prohibitions (Ark. Code § 5-10-101): First-degree murder charges apply to killings where the victim’s body is consumed, with penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty.
- Abuse of Corpse (Ark. Code § 5-60-101): Disfiguring, dismembering, or consuming human remains constitutes a Class D felony, punishable by up to 6 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
- Public Health Violations (Ark. Admin. Code § 007.10): The Arkansas Department of Health may intervene if cannibalistic acts pose infectious disease risks, mandating quarantine or criminal referrals under § 20-19-305.