What branch of law deals with matters concerning the disposal of the dead?

Mortuary law is the branch of law that specifically addresses matters related to the disposal of the dead. This includes regulations surrounding burial practices, cremation, the handling of remains, and the legal rights associated with these processes. It is focused on ensuring that the wishes of the deceased, as outlined in wills or other documents, are respected, while also adhering to public health guidelines and local laws concerning burial and cremation.

In contrast, family law deals with issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption, which do not directly involve the disposal of the dead. Civil law encompasses a broader area, addressing non-criminal disputes between individuals or organizations, including contracts and property issues, but does not specialize in the specific regulations surrounding death. Criminal law focuses on offenses against society, such as theft and assault, rather than matters related to the deceased. Thus, mortuary law stands out as the correct branch dedicated to the specific legal issues surrounding the treatment and disposal of the dead.