In legal terminology, what does 'actual custody of the body' refer to?

The phrase "actual custody of the body" specifically relates to having the physical possession of a deceased human body. This term is essential in legal contexts, especially when discussing matters related to burial rights, funeral arrangements, and the legal responsibilities concerning the remains of a deceased individual. Physical possession implies the ability to manage and handle the body directly, which is a fundamental aspect of various legal processes surrounding death and the subsequent treatment of the body, including decisions about burial or cremation.

In contrast, the other options deal with different legal concepts that do not pertain to the direct physical possession of the deceased individual's body. Owning a deceased person's property relates to probate and inheritance issues, control over a burial site involves rights related to where a body is interred but does not imply possession of the body itself, and executing a will pertains to the responsibilities of managing an estate rather than the physical handling of a body.