Which term refers to any carrier required by law to transport passengers or freight without refusal?

The term that refers to any carrier required by law to transport passengers or freight without refusal is known as a common carrier. This designation is crucial in the transportation industry, as common carriers are obliged to serve the general public without discrimination, provided that the service is within the scope of their business.

Common carriers, such as airlines, bus companies, and railroads, must adhere to specific regulations that mandate they accept all customer requests for transport as long as there are established routes and capacity. This contrasts with other types of carriers that operate under different conditions, such as contract carriers, who may choose who they transport based on specific agreements.

In this context, the other terms provided relate to different concepts and do not encompass the legal obligations of transportation services. Committal service refers to the part of funeral rites when the body is committed to the ground or cremated. Contemporary funeral rites concern modern practices surrounding funerals, while a chaplain is a spiritual leader or cleric serving in an institutional setting, typically related to providing support or ceremonial services, rather than transportation. Thus, common carrier is the only choice that fits the legal definition described in the question.