Preservation of Historical 

Cemeteries in Selected Countries

April 2014

The Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Center

(202) 707-6462 (phone) • (866) 550-0442 (fax) • law@loc.gov • http://www.law.gov
This report is provided for reference purposes only. 

It does not constitute legal advice and does not represent the official 

opinion of the United States Government. The information provided 

reflects research undertaken as of the date of writing. 

It has not been updated.
Preservation of Historical Cemeteries

in Selected Countries

Dante Figueroa, Coordinator

and the Staff of the Global Legal Research Directorate

I. Introduction

This report provides an overview of laws, regulations, and court decisions governing the 

preservation of historic cemeteries in Brazil, China, Egypt, England, Eritrea, France, Germany, 

Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Russia, Spain, 

and the United States. The country surveys reveal a wide variety of legal and regulatory 

approaches to this issue and the involvement of an array of actors at various jurisdictional levels. 

II. Country Surveys

Brazil

In Brazil, Law No. 3,924 of July 26, 1961, regulates archeological and prehistoric monuments. 

Article 2(c) of that Law determines that sites identified as cemeteries, graves, or places where 

there are human remains of archaeological, paleontological, and ethnological interest are 

considered archeological or prehistoric monuments.1 Archeological or prehistoric monuments of 

any nature that exist in the country and all the elements therein are under the custody and 

protection of the government.2

The economic exploitation, destruction, or mutilation, for any purpose, of archaeological or 

prehistoric deposits and sites, inscriptions, and objects found in cemeteries, graves, or places 

considered to be archeological or prehistoric monuments is prohibited throughout the national 

territory before such sites and/or items have being fully researched.3

Any act that results in the destruction of or damage to the monuments referred to in article 2 of 

Law No. 3,924 are considered crimes against the National Patrimony and, as such, are 

punishable under the provisions of the criminal laws.4 In addition, the Penal Code punishes with 

imprisonment from six months to two years and a fine whoever destroys, disables, or degrades a 

thing that has been registered by the competent authority because of its artistic, archeological, or 

historical value.5

1 Lei No. 3.924, de 26 de Julho de 1961, art. 2(c), http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/L3924.htm. 

2 Id. art. 1.

3 Id. art. 3.

4 Id. art. 5.

5 CÓDIGO PENAL art. 165, http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/decreto-lei/Del2848compilado.htm. 

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China

In China, the Law on Protection of Cultural Relics protects ancient tombs of historical, artistic, 

and/or scientific value.6

 According to the Law, ancient tombs are generally state property7 that 

may be designated as “sites to be protected for their historical and cultural value” (hereinafter 

“historical and cultural sites”) either at the national or local level, depending on their value.8 The 

Law regulates the repair, maintenance, and movement of immovable cultural relics, and restricts 

construction around historical and cultural sites. For example, within the “protection area” of a 

historical and cultural site, construction, blasting, drilling, and digging are generally prohibited. 

If such activities must be carried out “under special circumstances,” preapproval must be 

obtained from the relevant government authority.

9

 The transfer and commercial operation of 

ancient tombs are also prohibited or restricted.10

The excavation of ancient tombs may be subject to the provisions of the Law on Archaeological 

Excavations. Under the Law, archaeological excavations require licenses from the State 

Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH).11 Before excavation, a detailed plan of excavation 

must be submitted to the SACH and approved by the SACH or the State Council.12 The illegal 

excavation of ancient tombs may result in criminal, civil, or administrative penalties.13 

Under the Chinese Criminal Law, “[e]xcavating and robbing ancient tombs of historical, artistic, 

or scientific value” are criminal offenses, with punishments of up to life imprisonment and 

confiscation of property.

14 

Egypt

There are no available laws protecting historical cemeteries in Egypt. However, Law 3 of 2010 

on Protecting Antiquities, amending Law 117 of 1983, governs the issue of protecting 

antiquities, which includes historical sites. Under Law 3 of 2010, the Council of Antiquities is 

the government agency responsible for providing protection to historical sites, including 

6 中华人民共和国文物保护法 [Law on Protection of Cultural Relics] (promulgated by the Standing Committee of 

the National People’s Congress (NPC), Nov. 19, 1982, amended June. 19, 2013), art. 2, 2002 FAGUI HUIBIAN 456; 

全国人民代表大会常务委员会关于修改《中华人民共和国文物保护法》等十二部法律的决定 [Decision of the 

NPC Standing Committee to Revise Twelve Laws Including the Law on Protection of Cultural Relics], June 29, 

2013, http://www. gov.cn/flfg/2013-06/30/content_2437158.htm.

7 Id. art. 5.

8 Id. art. 3 (translated by the author).

9 Id. art. 17.

10 Id. arts. 24 & 25.

11 Id. art. 27.

12 Id. art. 28.

13 Id. arts. 64–66.

14中华人民共和国刑法 [Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China] (promulgated by NPC July 1, 1979, 

revised Oct. 1, 1997, last amended Feb. 25, 2011), art. 328, 2011 FAGUI HUIBIAN 1326 (translated by the author). 

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historical cemeteries. The Council has the authority to confiscate and return any pieces of 

antiquities taken illegally from historical sites. The Law allows the Council to lead discovery 

expeditions to explore antiquities under and above the ground. Finally, the Law imposes the 

penalty of imprisonment and fines on violators.15

England

England has amassed a large number of statutes that regulate the preservation and maintenance 

of cemeteries and historical graveyards,

16 with differing legal regimes based upon the type of 

cemetery and whether it is owned by the government, the Church of England, or privately. 

The care and preservation of historical graveyards are the responsibility of the owners and 

management.17 In cases where these sites have been disused or neglected, care often falls to the 

local authority if it is not already responsible. 18 As ownership of monuments lies with the 

descendants of the deceased person, and as the graves often date back many centuries, 

determining who is the owner and therefore financially responsible for the costs of maintaining 

the monument is often fruitless. In these cases, it is the duty of the entity responsible for the 

burial site to take the necessary action to ensure the safety of the monument.19

Before any work is conducted on historical graveyards, it is necessary to determine through the 

local authority whether the area has been accorded statutory protection. If this is the case, the 

necessary consents must be obtained before any work can be carried out. Burial grounds that 

have been consecrated by the rites of the Church of England are subject to ecclesiastical law and 

fall under the jurisdiction of the diocesan bishop. No work may be conducted on these sites 

without church authority, which is granted by a faculty from the diocesan consistory court.20 

15 Law 3 of 2010, al-Jarida al-Rasmiyya, vol. 6 (duplicate), 14 February 2010, p. 3.

16 These statutes include the following: Open Spaces Act 1909 6 Edw. 7 c. 25, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ 

ukpga/Edw7/6/25/contents; Local Authorities’ Cemeteries Order, 1977, SI 1977/204, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ 

uksi/1977/204/contents/made; Disused Burial Grounds (Amendment) Act, 1981, c. 18, http://www.legislation. 

gov.uk/ukpga/1981/18/contents; Disused Burial Grounds Act, 1884, 47 & 48 Vict., c. 72, http://www.legislation. 

gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/47-48/72/contents; Burial Act, 1857, 20 & 21 Vict., c. 81, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/ 

Vict/20-21/81/contents; and Burial Act, 1855, 18 & 19 Vict., c. 128, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/18-

19/128/contents. There are four main burial site classifications in England, each of which has unique cultural and 

religious needs that should be taken into account: church yards, burial grounds set up in the mid-seventeenth century 

to provide for nonconformist and minority communities, cemeteries established as a result of overcrowding in urban 

church yards, and war cemeteries and monuments. For the purpose of this report, the term graveyard will be used to 

cover these different types of sites. 

17 Local Government Act, 1972, c. 70 § 215, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1972/70/contents. See also

ENGLISH HERITAGE, CARING FOR HISTORIC GRAVEYARD AND CEMETERY MONUMENTS 6 (2011), 

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/caring-historic-graveyard-cemetery-monuments/caring-historicgraveyard-cemetery-mon.pdf.

18 Local Government Act 1972, c. 70 § 215, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1972/70/contents. See also

ENGLISH HERITAGE, supra note 17, at 6.

19 Id.

20 DEPARTMENT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, GUIDE FOR BURIAL GROUND MANAGERS¶ 2.37 (Nov. 2005), 

http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/burials-and-coroners/burial-ground-managers.pdf. 

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Current regulations aim to ensure public safety around burial grounds, with provisions in place to 

ensure that these places are maintained.21 Section 18 of the Burial Act 185522 provides that once 

a graveyard has stopped being active, the church or warden must maintain the condition of the 

grounds, including surrounding walls and monuments. Section 8 of the Burial Act 1855 provides 

the Secretary of State with the authority to appoint people to inspect burial grounds to determine 

the condition of these grounds. A fine may be imposed if the condition of the grounds does not 

meet the standards of the regulations.23 

In cases where safety improvements are required to be undertaken on monuments, the costs can 

be transferred to a local authority (local council), if a churchyard becomes closed to future 

burials or, in cases of private burial grounds, if it is no longer commercially viable to maintain 

them.

24 The Burial Act 1857 provides the Secretary of State with the power to order the work on 

vaults or burial places to prevent them from becoming/continuing to be dangerous or potentially

injuring the public.25 To ensure that these works are conducted, section 1 of the Burial Act 1859 

provides that if the works are not conducted, the responsibility will be passed to the 

local authority.26

English Heritage, a Commission established by the National Heritage Act 1983,27 has produced 

guidance on caring for historical graveyards.28 In this guidance, it advises that no restoration 

should be made to monuments unless it is to slow down the rate of decay or remove the cause of 

structural instability. The only exception to this rule is for cases where inscriptions of significant 

historical interest are at risk or if the decay is disfiguring the monument.

The Open Spaces Act 190629 allows the transfer of burial grounds to a local authority who may 

then use them as open spaces. The Open Spaces Act requires the local authority to administer 

the ground for the use of the public as an open space. The Act provides local authorities with the 

power to remove and relocate headstones and monuments.30

21 MINISTRY OF JUSTICE, MANAGING THE SAFETY OF BURIAL GROUND MEMORIALS: PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR 

DEALING WITH UNSTABLE MEMORIALS (Jan. 2009), http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/burials-andcoroners/safety-burial-grounds.pdf.

22 Burial Act, 1855, 18 & 19 Vict., c. 128, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/18-19/128/contents. 

23 Id. These powers have been rarely used, and there is currently no standing body inspectorate. HOME OFFICE,

BURIAL LAW AND POLICY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: THE NEED FOR A SENSITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE APPROACH 11 

(Jan. 2004), http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dca.gov.uk/consult/buriallaw/buriallaw_cp.pdf.

24 Id.

25 Burial Act 1857, 20 & 21 Vict., c. 81, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/20-21/81/contents. 

26 Burial Act 1859, 22 Vict., c. 22, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/22/1/contents. 

27 National Heritage Act, 1983, c. 47, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/47/contents. 

28 See also ENGLISH HERITAGE, supra note 17, at 6.

29 Open Spaces Act, 1906, 6 Edw. 7, c. 25, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Edw7/6/25/contents. 

30 Id. § 11.

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Eritrea

Historical cemeteries may be protected under several different laws. Eritrea’s Mining 

Proclamation31 authorizes the Eritrean government to ban mining operations in areas where 

historical cemeteries may be located, stating as follows:

The Government may designate any area or mineral as reserved or excluded for particular 

mining operations and exclude any area from mining operations particularly as it regards 

sites of historical, cultural or religious interest and public buildings, infrastructure and 

other installations.32

Except when approved by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Water Resources, the subsidiary 

legislation to the Mining Proclamation bans the issuance of a mining license within one hundred

meters of a “site of archeological, cultural or religious importance” and prospecting on land 

within one hundred meters of a cemetery.33 

In addition to the protection that historical cemeteries are afforded through the Mining 

Proclamation and its subsidiary legislation, it appears that Eritrea’s Transitional Penal Code 

provides additional protection by criminalizing certain acts that may damage historical 

cemeteries. The Code makes it an aggravated offense of damage to property to intentionally 

destroy or seriously damage 

an important object of religious veneration or worship, an object of valuable historical, 

scientific or artistic nature, a public building or a monument entrusted to the public, a 

historical site or any objects, machinery, installations or plantations of public utility or 

necessary for a service or the national interest.34

A criminal conviction on this charge entails punishment of up to five years in prison and fine.35 

In addition, violation of laws protecting historical, artistic, or natural riches is a petty offense 

31 Proclamations are binding statutory laws in Eritrea. 

32 Mining Proclamation No. 68 of 1995, § 6, 5(2) GAZETTE OF ERITREAN LAWS (Mar. 20, 1995), available on the 

International Labour Organization (ILO) website, at http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/87837/ 

100257/F1863682771/ERI87837.pdf. 

33 Mining Operations Regulations, Legal Notice No. 19 of 1995, § 13, GAZETTE OF ERITREAN LAWS (MAR. 20,

1995), available on the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations portal, Faolex, at

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/eri44712.pdf. Because the Law Library of Congress’s holdings on Eritrea are 

incomplete, it was not possible to ascertain whether the Mining Proclamation and its subsidiary legislation are in 

force today. 

34 Transitional Penal Code of Eritrea art. 654. The Transitional Penal Code of Eritrea consists of the combined 

reading of two laws: The Penal Code of the Empire of Ethiopia, Proclamation 158 of 1957, GAZETTE 

EXTRAORDINARY (July 23, 1957), available on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees portal, 

Refworld, at http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/49216a0a2.pdf, and the Transitional Penal Law of Eritrea, Proclamation 

No. 4 of 1991, 1(1) GAZETTE OF ERITREAN LAWS (Sept. 15, 1991), which is available only in Tigrigna, one of 

Eritrea’s local languages. 

35 Id. 

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punishable by a fine ranging from ERN 1 to 300 (about US$.09 to $29) or arrest ranging from 

one day to three months.36 

Sources contacted for this report indicated that Eritrea is currently drafting legislation on cultural 

heritage protection and conservation. 

France

There is no law specifically governing historical cemeteries in France. However, historical 

cemeteries can be protected under the same rules as apply to other historical buildings and 

properties. These rules originated in the Loi du 31 décembre 1913 sur les monuments 

historiques (Law of December 31, 1913, on Historical Monuments),37 which was codified in the 

Code du patrimoine (Heritage Code).38

There are essentially two levels of protection for historical buildings in France. Such a site may 

be classified (classé) as a historical monument, or registered (inscrit) as a historical monument. 

Article L621-1 of the Code du patrimoine states that, when there is a public interest in the 

preservation of a building for historical or artistic reasons, this building should be classified as a 

historical monument by the administrative authorities. 39 Article L621-25 of the same Code 

provides that buildings or parts of buildings that do not justify being immediately classified as 

historical monuments, but which nevertheless have enough historical or artistic significance to 

make their preservation desirable, can be registered as historical monuments. Cemeteries are 

considered buildings for the purposes of these provisions.40 As of 2001, over four hundred

cemeteries were partially or entirely protected as historical monuments in France.41

36 Id. arts. 703, 708 & 803. 

37 En 1913, le Sénat votait la loi sur les monuments historiques [In 1913, the Senate Voted on the Law on Historical 

Monuments], SÉNAT (SENATE), http://www.senat.fr/histoire/loi_sur_les_monuments_historiques.html; Loi du 31 

décembre 1913 sur les monuments historiques [Law of December 31, 1913, on Historical Monuments] 

(Dec. 31, 1913), http://www.senat.fr/fileadmin/Fichiers/Images/archives/monuments_historiques/Loi_31_ 

decembre_1913_01.pdf.

38 CODE DU PATRIMOINE [HERITAGE CODE], http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid= 

7F2636F9D45A14E81A4818FE28F850F4.tpdjo09v_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006074236&dateTexte=20140331

39 Id. art. L621-1

40 FRANCIS JAMOT ET AL., MINISTÈRE DE LA CULTURE ET DE LA COMMUNICATION [MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND 

COMMUNICATION], LA PROTECTION DES IMMEUBLES AU TITRE DES MONUMENTS HISTORIQUES, MANUEL 

MÉTHODOLOGIQUE [THE PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS AS HISTORICAL MONUMENTS, METHODOLOGICAL MANUAL] 20 

(2003), http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/infos-pratiques/guides/dapa-protection/introduction.pdf.

41 Circulaire n° 2000/022 du 31 mai 2000 relative à la protection des tombes et cimetières au titre des monuments 

historiques et gestion des tombes et cimetières protégés [Circular No. 2000/022 of May 31, 2000, Regarding 

Protection of Tombs and Cemeteries as Historical Monuments, and Management of the Protected Tombs and 

Cemeteries], MINISTÈRE DE LA CULTURE ET DE LA COMMUNICATION, DIRECTION DE L’ARCHITECTURE ET DU 

PATRIMOINE [MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION, DIRECTORATE FOR ARCHITECTURE AND HERITAGE], 

BULLETIN OFFICIEL [OFFICIAL BULLETIN] p. 30 (May–June 2000), http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/infospratiques/bo/bo_pdf/2000/bo119.pdf.

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As implied by the paragraph above, the law affords a higher level of protection to classified 

buildings than to registered ones. Under article L621-9 of the Code du patrimoine, “a building 

classified as a historical monument may not be destroyed or moved, even partially, nor may it be 

restored, repaired, or modified without the authorization of the administrative authority.”42 By 

contrast, a registered site may be modified by its owner(s) without prior administrative 

authorization.43 However, the administrative authorities must be notified at least four months in 

advance, and someone who modifies a registered site without notifying the authorities four 

months prior may be fined up to €3,750 (about US$5,210).

44

If a classified or registered historical monument has been illegally broken up and taken apart (for 

example, if part of a funerary monument is detached and taken away by someone), the 

authorities can search for the missing parts and order that they be put back into place at the cost 

of both the seller and buyer of those parts.45 Furthermore, anyone who illegally destroys, moves, 

restores, repairs, or otherwise modifies without authorization a classified historical monument is 

liable to pay a fine of €3,750 in addition to having to pay damages and pay for the monument’s 

repair.46 It should be noted that the conservator or guardian of a classified historical monument 

is subject to a heightened level of responsibility, as he/she is liable to pay a €3,750 fine and may 

be sentenced to up to three months in jail if he/she allowed, through gross negligence, the 

destruction, mutilation or degradation of the monument in question.47

Germany

Generally, the subject areas of cemeteries and monument preservation fall into the legislative 

power of the German states. There is, however, a federal law on burial sites of soldiers, the Act 

on the Maintenance of the Graves of the Victims of War and Tyranny (Act on Graves).

48 The 

purpose of the Act is to remember the victims of war and of violent regimes and to uphold this 

memory for future generations. The Act applies to the graves of World War I soldiers, World 

War II soldiers, Holocaust victims, certain refugees, and interns of concentration and forced 

labor camps. Germany has more than ten thousand cemeteries with graves of war victims or 

soldiers and many more individual grave sites.49

42 CODE DU PATRIMOINE art. L621-9.

43 Id. art. L621-27.

44 Id. art. L624-1.

45 Id. art. L621-33.

46 Id. art. L624-2.

47 Id. art. L624-6.

48 Gesetz über die Erhaltung der Gräber der Opfer von Krieg und Gewaltherrschaft [Act on the Maintenance of the 

Graves of Victims of War and Tyranny] July 1, 1965, BUNDESGESETZBLATT [BGBL.] I at 589, last repromulgated 

Jan. 16, 2012, BGBL. I at 98, as amended, up-to-date German text at http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ 

gr_bg/BJNR005890965.html.

49 Das Online Gedenkbuch [The Online Memory Book], WELTKRIEGSOPFER.DE, http://www.weltkriegsopfer. 

de/_Neuheiten_1.html?grab=1&dat=1363302000 (last visited Apr. 14, 2014).

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The graves covered by the Act are guaranteed to exist in perpetuity. Private property owners on 

whose soil such graves exist must leave these graves in existence and grant the necessary liens 

for access. Such private owners are compensated by the state where the grave is located. The 

states also bear the costs for graves in public cemeteries. The states must maintain lists of the 

graves that fall under the protections of the Act and the state must care for these graves. The 

federal government reimburses the states for many of these costs.

The Act on Graves does not contain any sanctions for contravention of these laws. However, 

section 304 of the Criminal Code contains a provision that penalizes the illegal destruction or 

damaging of sacred objects and of graves and monuments.50

Greece

Ancient cemeteries are constitutionally protected in Greece as part of its cultural heritage.51 

Preservation of ancient cemeteries that fall within the term “ancient structures” or “cultural 

heritage” are governed by Law No. 3028/2002 on the Protection of Antiquities and the General 

Cultural Heritage, as amended by Law No. 3658/2008 on Measures to Protect Cultural 

Treasures. 52 Pursuant to Law No. 3028/2002, everything that was built or created during a 

specified period falls within its scope, as follows: Ancient cemeteries are those that were created 

before 1850; after that period, cemeteries are deemed cultural treasures if, due to their historical, 

social, aesthetic, or scientific value, their protection and preservation is required. 53 Ancient 

cemeteries created prior to 1830 or afterwards are registered in the National Register of 

Monuments, which is kept under the supervision of the Ministry of Civilization.54

Ancient cemeteries built prior to 1830 are considered “ancient” ipso jure, without the need of an 

administrative decision. Those created after 1830 are designated as “cultural treasures” by a 

decision of the Minister of Culture published in the Official Gazette of Greece.

55

Preservation consists of measures to protect ancient cemeteries from further deterioration and to 

safeguard them from illegal excavation, theft, and the illegal export of findings. In addition, it 

includes measures to restore them and facilitate contact with the public and the study of 

history.56 All restoration and preservation expenses are assumed by the state.

50 Strafgesetzbuch, repromulgated Nov. 13. 1998, BGBL. I at 3322, as amended, translation at http://www.gesetzeim-internet.de/englisch_stgb/index.html.

51 GREEK CONSTITUTION art. 24, para. 6. Article 24 specifies that measures to restrict private ownership of 

archeological sites as well as the manner and kind of compensation payable to owners are subject to a special law.

52 Law No. 3028/2002 on the Protection of Antiquities and the Cultural Heritage in General, EPHEMERIS TES 

KYVERNESEOS TES HELLENIKES DEMOKRATIAS [EKED], 2002, A:138, as amended by Law No. 3658/2008 on 

Measures to Promote Cultural Treasures, A: 20. 

53 Id. art. 4, para. 1.

54 Id.

55 Id. art. 6, paras. 1 & 2. 

56 Id. art. 3. 

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India

India regulates archeological and historical sites through the Ancient Monuments and 

Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 195857 and its subordinate rules.58 The Archaeological 

Survey of India (ASI), under the provisions of the 1958 Act, is responsible for the protection of 

“monuments, sites and remains of national importance.”59 Protection of historical monuments 

and archaeological sites includes historical or ancient tombs and cemeteries.60 Section 4(1) of 

the 1958 Act gives the central government the authority to declare certain ancient monuments or 

sites “to be of national importance,” along with a number of powers to protect and preserve such 

monuments and sites.61

The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 190462 regulates the preservation of monuments that 

are “under the custody of individual or private ownership.”63

Israel

The territory of Israel is saturated with remnants of civilizations that are thousands of years old 

and the country’s courts have frequently grappled with issues concerning the preservation of 

burial sites. In a decision rendered by Israel’s Supreme Court in January 2007 the Court held 

that the determination of whether the disclosure of ancient burial places justifies cessation of 

construction at any particular site requires a balancing of the competing interests of preservation 

of religious sentiments and protecting the dignity of the dead against the property interests of 

land owners and the increasing need for development in the country.64 

In a comprehensive leading decision rendered by the Supreme Court in October 2008, the Court 

clarified the scope of the constitutional right associated with the preservation of historical burial 

sites, holding that “respect for the [dignity of the] dead derives from the dignity of the live 

person, and from his right to personal autonomy,”65 rights that are guaranteed under Basic Law: 

57 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, No. 24 of 1958, http://asi.nic.in/pdf_data/new_ 

6.pdf. For other laws regulating historical sites see Legislations [sic], ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA,

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, http://asi.nic.in/asi_legislations.asp (last visited Apr. 14, 2014).

58 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959, Gazette of India, § II(3) (Oct. 15, 1959), 

http://asi.nic.in/pdf_data/7.pdf.

59 Id.

60 Monuments, ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, http://asi.nic.in/asi_monuments.asp

(last visited Apr. 14, 2014). 

61 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act § 4(1). 

62 Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904, Act No. VII of 1904, http://asi.nic.in/pdf_data/5.pdf.

63 Id. 

64 HCJ 6685/05 Al-Aqsa Corp. for Dev. of Moslem Waqf Properties v. Contractual Archeology Corp., p. 10, 

http://elyon1.court.gov.il/files/05/850/066/H11/05066850.h11.pdf (in Hebrew)

65 HCJ 52/06 Al-Aqsa Co. v. Simon Wiesenthal Ctr. Museum Corp. ¶ 135 (in Hebrew) SICA, http://elyon1.court. 

gov.il/files/06/520/000/r51/06000520.r51.pdf (translated by author).

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Human Dignity and Liberty. 66 However, constitutionally protected rights in Israel are not 

absolute.67 Accordingly, rights protected under the Basic Law cannot be violated “except by a 

law befitting the values of the State of Israel, enacted for a proper purpose, and to an extent no 

greater than is required.”68 

The subject of the 2008 decision involved remnants of graves dating three to four hundred years 

old, which had been found during excavation work for construction of a museum of tolerance in 

Jerusalem.69 The Court recognized that the construction of the museum constituted a project of 

special national and international importance, which coincided with the state’s values 70 and 

further held that halting construction would harm the interest of the public and of individuals 

involved in the established project planning system.71 As such, the court approved alternative 

methods offered by the developers to significantly reduce the negative impact on the 

constitutional right to dignity of the dead associated with implementing the museum plan and 

allowed the project to proceed.72

In addition to court decisions, several pieces of legislation include specific requirements 

regarding preservation of historic cemeteries in Israel:

• Under the Planning and Building Law, 5725-1965, any provision in regional or local plans 

regarding protection of cemeteries must be drafted in consultation with the Minister of 

Religious Affairs;73 any provision concerning the protection of buildings or cites of historical 

or archeological importance must similarly be drafted in consultation with the Minister of 

Education and Culture.74

• Under the Water Law, 5719-1959, the approval of a water supply scheme that may affect any 

place of religious worship, including a cemetery, requires the consent of the Minister of 

Religious Affairs.75

• Under the Penal Law, 5737-1977, trespassing on a place of worship or burial is prohibited 

and punishable by three years’ imprisonment.76

66 Id. (citing Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty, SEFER HAHUKIM No. 1391 of 5752 (1992), as amended, up-todate text available on the Knesset Website, at http://knesset.gov.il/laws/special/eng/basic3_eng.htm).

67 Id. ¶ 158.

68 Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty § 8.

69 HCJ 52/06 Al-Aqsa Co. v. Simon Wiesenthal Ctr. ¶ 248.

70 Id. ¶ 239–242.

71 Id. ¶ 243.

72 Id. ¶ 232.

73 Planning and Building Law, 5725-1965, § 99, 19 LAWS OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL [LSI] 330 (5725-1964/65).

74 Id.

75 Water Law, 5719-1959, § 70, 13 LSI 173 (5719-1958/59).

76 Penal Law, 5737-1977, § 172, LSI (Special Volume) 1977.

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Italy

For historical reasons, Italy is a country with an abundance of historical cemeteries. The Italian 

Constitution does not provide a specific legal framework regulating historical cemeteries. 77 

However, the Constitution states that the Italian Republic “safeguards natural landscape and the 

historical and artistic heritage of the Nation.” 78 The expression “historical” logically 

encompasses historical cemeteries. In addition, the Constitution allocates exclusive legislative 

powers to the national government in, among other matters, those related to the “protection of 

the environment, the ecosystem and the cultural heritage.”79

The Code of Cultural Assets and Landscape80 is one of the main legal instruments covering 

cemeteries as historical assets. In fact, the Code defines “cultural heritage” as real estate and 

movable property with an “artistic, historic, archeological, ethnic-anthropological, archival, or 

bibliographical interest.” 81 Historical cemeteries are thus a part of the national “cultural 

heritage.” The Code also includes a specific category of “Cultural Assets of a Religious 

Interest,” defined as those “pertaining to the Catholic Church and other religious confessions,”82

and subjects such assets to specific legal protections. The provisions of the Code are generally 

enforced by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.83

In addition, Law No. 1089 of 1939 provides legal protection to all real and movable property that 

has artistic, historical, archeological, or ethnographic interest. 84 The Ministry of Public 

Education may designate any real estate as covered by this Law by notifying the landowner of 

this decision,

85 and may impose any measures aimed at the protection of such property.86 Other 

relevant legislation forbids the construction of new buildings within a radius of two hundred 

77 Costituzione della Repubblica Italiana [Constitution of the Italian Republic] (as last amended Apr. 20, 2012), 

available in Italian at http://www.senato.it/documenti/repository/istituzione/costituzione.pdf, and in English at 

http://www.senato.it/documenti/repository/istituzione/costituzione_inglese.pdf.

78 Id. art. 9, para. 2 (emphasis added).

79 Id. art. 117(s).

80 Decreto Legislativo 22 gennaio 2004, n. 42, Codice dei beni culturali e del paesaggio [Legislative Decree No. 42 

of June 22, 2004, Code of Cultural Assets and Landscape], GAZZETTA UFFICIALE DELLA REPUBBLICA ITALIANA

[G.U.] No. 45, Feb. 24, 2004, http://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2004-01-

22;42!vig.

81 Id. art. 2(1). 

82 Id. art. 9. 

83 MINISTERO DEI BENI E DELLE ATTIVITA CULTURALI E DEL TURISMO, http://www.beniculturali.it/mibac/export/ 

MiBAC/index.html#&panel1-3 (last visited Apr. 14, 2014).

84 Legge 1 Giugno 1939, N. 1089, Tutela delle cose d’interesse artistico o storico [Law No. 1089, of June 1, 1939, 

on the Protection of Assets of Artistic or Historical Interest] art. 1, http://www.architoscana.org/Normativa/ns_ 

nazionale/anno_1896-1939/L.1089-39.html. 

85 Id. arts. 2 & 3. 

86 Id. art. 21. 

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meters from the perimeter of a cemetery, except by authorization of the 

respective municipality.87

In practical terms, however, most of the regulations concerning the protection of historical 

cemeteries are enacted at the regional and local levels throughout the country. At the regional 

level, for example, in the Veneto region each municipality is under the legal obligation to build 

at least one cemetery.88 At the local level, the City of Verona prohibits anyone from removing 

objects attached to sepulchers or other movables from cemeteries.89

Finally, the national Criminal Code punishes the violation of a sepulcher, a tomb, or “anything 

devoted to the veneration of the dead.”90 One aggravating circumstance is the commission of 

such acts against “public buildings or buildings destined to public use or to the exercise of a 

religion, or over things possessing a historical or artistic interest irrespective of their location, or 

over buildings located within the perimeter of historical centers.” 91 In consequence, Italy 

protects historical cemeteries at the national, regional, and local levels within its 

legal framework.

Japan

Under the Cultural Property Protection Act, the government may designate historic sites as 

historic monuments.92 Managers of designated historic monuments must administer the sites in 

accordance with government regulations. 93 Particularly important historic sites cannot be 

modified without the Cultural Affairs Agency’s permission.94 

Cemeteries that are functioning are subject to the Act on Cemeteries and Burials. 95 It aims to 

ensure that the management of cemeteries and burials are done in the ways that do not offend 

87 Legge 1 agosto 2002, n. 166, Disposizioni in materia di infrastrutture e trasporti [Law No. 166 of August 1, 2002, 

Provisions Concerning Infrastructure and Transportation], G.U. No. 181, Aug. 3, 2002, art. 28(1)(a) & (b), 

http://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:legge:2002-08-01;166!vig=.

88 Legge Regionale 4 marzo 2010, n. 18 “Norme in materia funeraria” [Regional Law No. 18, March 4, 2010, 

“Provisions on Burials”] art. 27(1), BOLLETTINO UFFICIALE DELLA REGIONE DEL VENETO No. 21, Mar. 9, 2010, 

http://www.agec.it/sites/default/files/Servizi/Gestione%20Cimiteriale/Riferimenti%20Normativi/lr_4_marzo_2010_

n_18_pdf_12125.pdf.

89 Comune di Verona, Regolamento di Polizia Mortuaria, 1 novembre 2005 [City of Verona, Regulations for the 

Funeral Police, November 1, 2005], art. 31(1), http://www.agec.it/sites/default/files/Azienda/Riferimenti%20 

Normativi/Gestione%20cimiteriale/regolamento_comunale_nr_45_del_01_11_2005_pdf_37001.pdf. 

90 CODICE PENALE [CRIMINAL CODE] arts. 407–408, available at http://www.altalex.com/?idnot=36653 (updated to 

Mar. 28, 2013).

91 Id. art. 635(3).

92 Bunkazai hogo hō [Cultural Property Protection Act], Act No. 214, amended by Act No. 61 of 2004, arts. 109 

& 132. Kinenbutsu [Historic Objects], AGENCY FOR CULTURAL AFFAIRS, http://www.bunka.go.jp/bunkazai/ 

shoukai/kinenbutsu.html (last visited Apr. 4, 2014).

93 Id. arts. 120 & 133. 

94 Id. art. 125. 

95 Bochi, maisō ni kansuru hōritsu [Act on Cemeteries and Burials], Act No. 48 of 1948, art. 1.

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people’s religious views and conform with public hygiene standards and other considerations. 

The Act states that a person who manages cemeteries must obtain permission from a prefecture 

government. The Act also states that when the person who manages a cemetery changes the 

boundary of the cemetery or diverts its use to some other purpose, he or she needs permission 

from the prefecture government.

96

Lebanon

There are no laws in Lebanon related specifically to the preservation of historical cemeteries. 

However, if such cemeteries qualify as a part of the antiquity heritage of the country then they 

are subject to the Antiquities Law issued during the French Mandate by Order of the High 

Commissioner No. 166 of 1933.97 

Pursuant to the first article of this Order, things produced by human activities prior to 1700 and 

immovable objects whose preservation is in the public interest and which are recorded in the 

registry provided for in article 20 must be considered antiquities. The recordation is effected as 

provided for in article 22 by the relevant minister, based on a recommendation of the Director 

General of Antiquities. 

Mexico

Mexico’s Constitution provides that the Federal Congress has the authority to legislate on 

archeological, artistic, and historic monuments whose conservation is of national interest. 98 

Mexico’s Federal Law on Monuments and Archeological, Artistic and Historic Sites provides 

rules applicable to the designation, conservation, and protection of these sites and lists the 

authorities with jurisdiction over protected monuments and their respective powers.99 The Law 

also provides guidelines and procedures applicable to the designation of a specific site in order to 

be declared a protected monument.100 According to an online database maintained by the federal 

government, a number of cemeteries have been declared protected monuments under this Law.101 

96 Id. art. 10.

97 Arrêté No. 166 LR du 7 novembre 1933 portant réglement sur les antiquités en Syrie et au Liban, available at

http://www.unesco.org/culture/natlaws/media/pdf/lebanon/lebanon_reglement_7_11_1933_fre_orof.pdf.

98 CONSTITUCIÓN POLÍTICA DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS [POLITICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED 

MEXICAN STATES], as amended, art. 73(XXV), DIARIO OFICIAL DE LA FEDERACIÓN [D.O.], Feb. 5, 1917, available 

on the website of Mexico’s House of Representatives, at http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/1.pdf. 

99 Ley Federal sobre Monumentos y Zonas Arqueológicos, Artísticos e Históricos [Federal Law on Monuments and 

Archeological, Artistic and Historic Sites], as amended, D.O., May 6, 1972, http://www.diputados.gob.mx/ 

LeyesBiblio/pdf/131.pdf. 

100 Id.

101 Catálogo Nacional de Monumentos Históricos Inmuebles [National Catalog of Historic Immovable Monuments],

INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ANTROPOLOGÍA E HISTORIA [NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY]

(2012), http://www.catalogonacionalmhi.inah.gob.mx/monumentos/index.jsp (click on “Búsqueda” [Search], and 

enter the term “Cementerio” or “Panteón” [both terms mean “Cemeteries”]).

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In addition, the Law includes a chapter on penalties applicable to conduct and acts that are 

detrimental to protected monuments,

102 which include fines and even imprisonment.103 

New Zealand

The Burial and Cremation Act 1964 places responsibilities on local authorities104 or trustees105

with respect to the management of cemeteries, while denominational or private burial grounds 

are managed by landowners or trustees.106 

With regard to historic cemeteries, burial grounds, or gravesites, under the Historic Places Act of

1993 any place in New Zealand that “was associated with human activity that occurred before 

1900” and “is or may be able through investigation by archaeological methods to provide 

evidence relating to the history of New Zealand” is categorized as an archaeological site.107 

Unless specific authority is granted by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust,108 it is unlawful 

for anyone to “destroy, damage, or modify, or cause to be destroyed, damaged, or modified, the 

whole or any part of any archaeological site, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that 

it is an archaeological site.”109 In addition, the Historic Places Trust maintains a register of 

historic places that meet specified criteria 110 and may give notice to a local authority of a 

requirement for a “heritage order” to protect any such place.111 It may also negotiate a “heritage 

covenant” with the owner, lessee, or licensee of any historic place.112 The penalties for offenses 

under the Act include fines of up to NZ$40,000 (approximately US$34,570) for damage to a 

historic place, and up to NZ$100,000 (approximately $86,431) for the destruction of such a 

place.113 

In addition to the historic places legislation, some cemeteries may be maintained and protected 

as “historic reserves” in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977.114

102 Ley Federal sobre Monumentos y Zonas Arqueológicos, Artísticos e Históricos ch. VI, “Penalties.”

103 Id.

104 Burial and Cremation Act 1964, pt 1, http://www.legislation.co.nz/act/public/1964/0075/latest/DLM355079.html. 

Restrictions and powers related to the removal of monuments and tablets are contained in the Burial and Cremation 

(Removal of Monuments and Tablets) Regulation 1967, http://www.legislation.co.nz/regulation/public/1967/ 

0118/latest/DLM26514.html. 

105 Burial and Cremation Act 1964, pt 3.

106 Id. pt 4.

107 Historic Places Act 1993, s 2, http://www.legislation.co.nz/act/public/1993/0038/latest/DLM300511.html. 

108 Archeological Authorities, NEW ZEALAND HISTORIC PLACES TRUST, http://www.historic.org.nz/ 

protectingourheritage/archaeology/legalauthorities.aspx (last visited Mar. 20, 2014).

109 Historic Places Act 1993, s 10(1).

110 Id. s 23.

111 Id. s 5.

112 Id. s 6.

113 Id. pt 5.

114 Reserves Act 1977, s 18, http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1977/0066/latest/DLM444305.html. 

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The New Zealand Law Commission is currently undertaking a review of burial and cremation 

law and has published an issues paper that includes discussion of the laws related to the 

management and protection of burial places.115 A final report containing recommendations for 

various legislative changes is expected by the end of 2014.116

Nicaragua

In Nicaragua several decrees 117 and laws 118 have been promulgated declaring a particular 

cemetery to be part of the historical and artistic heritage of the Nation. Each of these decrees 

and laws also state that a cemetery so designated is subject to the special protection regime 

established by the Law on Protection of Cultural Heritage of the Nation.119 Under this Law, the 

Ministry of Culture is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the nation’s cultural 

heritage. 120 The Law prohibits the destruction or partial or total modification of assets 

designated as cultural heritage.121 The Law also prohibits the removal of such assets from their 

original site without prior authorization from the Directorate General of Cultural Heritage of the 

Ministry of Culture.122 Likewise, archaeological excavations of such sites are prohibited.123 

Under the Law on Protection of Cultural Heritage of the Nation, penalties for acts and omissions 

that destroy or cause irreversible damage to the assets protected by the Law include 

imprisonment of one to four years, plus fines. 124 In addition, the Penal Code imposes 

imprisonment of two to three years upon a person who destroys, disables, makes disappear, or 

otherwise fully or partially damages museums or assets of scientific, artistic, cultural, historical,

or religious value, and other buildings and tombs in cemeteries.

125

115 Law Commission, The Legal Framework for Burial and Cremation in New Zealand: A First Principles Review 

(NZLC IP34, Oct. 2013),Ch. 6, http://ip34.publications.lawcom.govt.nz/. 

116 Burial and Cremation Law, LAW COMMISSION, http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/project/review-burial-and-cremationlaw (last visited Mar. 20, 2014).

117 Decreto No. 36-2003, April 12, 2003, Se Declara Patrimonio Histórico de la Nación al Cementerio San Pedro de 

la Ciudad de Managua, LA GACETA [L.G.], Apr. 22, 2003; Ley No. 829, January 16, 2013, Ley que Declara al 

Cementerio San Pedro “Panteón Nacional de Nicaragua,” L.G, Jan. 23, 2013; Decreto No. 72-2005, October 14, De 

Declaratoria de Patrimonio Histórico y Cultural de la Nación “Antigüos Cementerios de San Juán del Norte,” L.G.,

Oct. 26, 2005. 

118 Ley No. 814, October 30, 2012, Ley que Declara Patrimonio Histórico y Artístico de la Nación al Cementerio de 

Granada, L.G., Nov. 6, 2012. 

119 Decreto N. 1142, November 22, 1982 Ley de Protección al Patrimonio Cultural de la Nación, L.G., Dec. 2, 1982, 

as amended by Decreto No. 1237, April 12, 1983 Reforma al Decreto No. 1142, “Ley de Protección al Patrimonio 

Cultural de la Nación,” L.G., Apr. 19, 1983. 

120 Id. art. 3. 

121 Id. art. 31.

122 Id. art. 33.

123 Id. art. 32.

124 Id. art. 39. 

125 Ley No. 641, November 13, 2007, CÓDIGO PENAL, L.G., May 5–9, 2008. 

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Russian Federation

In the Russian Federation, cemeteries are established and managed by local and municipal 

authorities according to ethical, sanitary, and environmental requirements under the Federal Law 

on Burials and Funerals.126 The Law states that cemeteries can be communal, religious, military, 

and military memorials. The Law does not define historic cemeteries; however, it allows for the 

recognition of burial grounds as areas having cultural and/or historic significance. 127 The 

procedure for such recognition is prescribed by the Federal Law on Objects of Cultural Heritage 

of the Peoples of the Russian Federation, which regulates the administration of historical and 

cultural monuments. 128 Burial grounds, mausoleums, and necropolises can be recognized as 

historic and cultural monuments.129 Depending on their historic and cultural significance, these 

places can be categorized as monuments of national, regional, or local importance, and their 

ownership is established respectively. Regardless of the categorization of a monument, all 

objects of cultural heritage are subject to state protection measures.130 The Law regulates issues 

related to ownership, usage, and termination of property rights on an object of cultural 

heritage.131 

Further issues related to preserving and using historic monuments are regulated by the laws of 

the individual constituent components of the Russian Federation because such issues fall within 

the joint jurisdiction of federal and provincial authorities. For example, the City of Moscow 

passed the municipal Law on Preservation and Usage of Immovable Historic and Cultural 

Monuments in 2000.132 This Law defined historic cemeteries as “cemeteries, individual graves, 

and burial places of outstanding state and military figures, national heroes, famous persons who 

worked in the field of science, art, and literature, and collective graves of military personnel and 

civilians who lost their lives for freedom and independence of their country.”133 Cemeteries 

recognized as historic are managed by the city government agency authorized to regulate the 

preservation and usage of historic monuments. The City of Moscow is responsible for the 

restoration work required to properly maintain historic cemeteries and regulates public access to 

historic places.134

126 Federal Law of the Russian Federation on Burials and Funerals, SOBRANIE ZAKONODATELSTVA ROSSIISKOI 

FEDERATSII [SZ RF] [COLLECTION OF RUSSIAN LEGISLATION (official gazette)] 1996, No. 3, Item 146, available in 

Russian at http://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_133395/. 

127 Id. art. 4.1.

128 SZ RF 2002, No. 26, Item 2519, available in Russian at http://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_ 

LAW_148669/. 

129 Id. art. 3.

130 Id. art. 6.

131 Id. arts. 52–54.

132 Text of this law available in Russian at http://www.bestpravo.ru/moskva/bz-instrukcii/u5n.htm (last visited 

Mar. 25, 2014).

133 Id. art. 3 (translated by author).

134 Id. art. 31.

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Historic cemeteries as well as all other historic monuments cannot be destroyed, transferred, or 

changed, except pursuant to a specific resolution by the federal government. In such cases, the 

authorized city agency conducts research associated with preservation of the monument.135 

Spain

Historic cemeteries are protected in Spain as part of its historic cultural heritage.

136 Preservation 

of historic cemeteries that have been declared and registered as historic property in the General 

Registry of Cultural Assets are governed by Law No. 16/1985 on the Historic Spanish Heritage 

and its implementing decree, Royal Decree 111/1986.137

According to Law 16/1985, cemeteries declared cultural Spanish property are subject to special 

protection and preservation rules, which include restrictions as to their alteration, demolition,

138

transfer, or sale.139 The list of cemeteries registered as cultural Spanish heritage monuments 

under Law 16/1985 is available in a Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (Ministry of 

Education, Culture and Sports) database. 140 Cemeteries may be declared a cultural historic 

property as a monument, historic garden or site, or archeological site if they have historic, 

artistic, social, or scientific interest.141

Preservation consists of measures to protect historic cemeteries from further deterioration and to 

safeguard them from illegal excavation, theft, and the illegal export of any part thereof. In 

addition, it includes measures to finance works of preservation and restoration.142 Restoration 

and preservation costs are paid by the state.143

Cemeteries are governed and administered by each of the seventeen autonomous communities,

and cemetery services are provided by the municipalities according to Law 7/1985 of the 

Local Government.144

135 Id. art. 29.

136 Ley 16/1985 del Patrimonio Histórico Espanol [Spanish Historic Heritage], June 25, 1985, B.O.E., June 29, 

1985, http://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1985-12534.

137 Real Decreto 111/1986 de Desarrollo de la Ley 16/1985 [Royal Decree 111/1986 Implementing Law 16/1985], 

B.O.E., Jan. 28, 1986, http://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1986-2277.

138 Ley 16/1985, arts. 12.2–25.

139 Real Decreto 111/1986 arts. 40–44.

140 Searchable list of cemeteries registered as Spanish cultural property, Patrimonio Cultural, MINISTERIO DE 

EDUCACIÓN, CULTURA Y DEPORTE [MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTS], http://www.mcu.es/ 

bienes/cargarFiltroBienesInmuebles.do?layout=bienesInmuebles&cache=init&language=es (enter “cementerio” in 

the “Bien” box and click “Buscar”) (last visited Apr. 14, 2014).

141 Ley 16/1985 art. 15.

142 Id.

143 Real Decreto 111/1986, art. 58.

144 Ley 7/1985 Reguladora de las Bases del Régimen Local [Law 7/1985 Regulating the Basis of the Local 

Government Regime] arts. 25.2.k & 26.1.a, B.O.E. Apr. 3, 1985, http://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A1985-5392&tn=1&p=20131230&vd=#a25.

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United States

In the United States, the preservation of historic cemeteries is largely subsumed under the 

complicated body of law that governs historic preservation generally. That body of law consists 

of statutes, regulations, executive orders, administrative guidelines, and case law at multiple 

levels of government.145

Federal laws of the US relevant to historic preservation (and thus preservation of historical 

cemeteries) include the following:146

• The Antiquities Act of 1906,147 the earliest federal historical preservation law, prohibits the 

unauthorized excavation, removal, or defacement of objects of antiquity on public lands;148

provides for permits for the examination of ruins, excavation of archaeological sites, and 

gathering of objects of antiquity when undertaken for the benefit of reputable museums, 

universities, colleges, or other recognized scientific or educational institutions; 149 and

authorizes the President to designate historic landmarks situated on lands owned by the US as 

national monuments.150 

• The Historical Sites Act of 1935151 declares that it is a national policy to preserve for public 

use historical sites, buildings, and objects of national significance, 152 and authorizes the 

National Park Service (NPS) to identify, acquire, operate, and manage buildings and sites of 

national significance.153

• The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966154 authorizes NPS to maintain the National 

Register of Historic Places, a list of districts, sites, buildings, and objects significant to 

145 CONSUELO OLIMPIA SANZ SALLA, THE PROTECTION OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF 

ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES 25 (2009).

146 The laws listed here and other federal laws, regulations, executive orders, and guidelines on historical 

preservation are compiled in US DEP’T OF THE INTERIOR, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, FEDERAL HISTORIC 

PRESERVATION LAWS: THE OFFICIAL COMPILATION OF U.S. CULTURAL HERITAGE STATUTES (2006 ed.), 

http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/fhpl/contents.htm. 

147 Act of June 8, 1906, ch. 3060, 34 Stat. 225 (codified as amended at 16 U.S.C. §§ 431–433 (2012), available at

http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/fhpl/fhpl_antiact.pdf). 

148 16 U.S.C. § 433. 

149 16 U.S.C. § 432.

150 16 U.S.C. § 431. 

151 Act of Aug. 25, 1935, ch. 593, 49 Stat. 666 (codified as amended at 16 U.S.C. §§ 461–467 (2012), available at

http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/fhpl/historic_sites_act.pdf).

152 16 U.S.C. § 461. 

153 16 U.S.C. § 462. 

154 Public Law No. 89-665, 80 Stat. 915 (codified as amended at 16 U.S.C. §§ 470–470x-6 (2012), available at 

http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/fhpl/nhpa.pdf). 

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American history, architecture, archeology, and culture. 155 When a site is listed on the 

National Register, federal agencies are required to consider the effects of their actions (such 

as issuing permits allowing development) on the site.156 The Act established the Advisory 

Council on Historic Preservation,157 which may comment on any federal action that might 

adversely affect a site listed on the National Register.158

• The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 159 regulates the excavation and 

removal of archeological resources on federal or Indian land, 160 and prohibits any 

unauthorized excavation of or damage to such archeological resources. 161 The term 

“archeological resource” is comprehensively defined as “any material remains of past human 

life or activities which are of archeological interest” that is at least one hundred years old, 

including graves and human skeletal remains.162

• The Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 163 protects Native 

American ancestral human remains and cultural items found on federal or Indian lands. It 

provides a process for remains and cultural items excavated or discovered on federal or 

Indian lands in the possession of federal agencies or museums to be placed under the 

ownership or control of tribes affiliated with them.164 In the event of inadvertent discovery 

of such remains or items during construction, mining, or similar projects on federal or Indian 

lands, activity in the area must temporarily cease to allow for protection of the materials.165 

The Act also requires federal agencies and museums to create an inventory of remains and 

cultural items in their possession. 166 The Act makes it a crime to illegally traffic in 

covered items.167 

In the US, powers not conferred to the federal government are reserved by the states, and thus 

many aspects of the law relevant to historic preservation and protection of cemeteries are matters 

155 16 U.S.C. § 470a. Criteria for listing cemeteries in the National Register are set forth in US Dep’t of the Interior, 

Nat’l Park Serv., National Register Bulletin 41, Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Cemeteries and Burial 

Places (1992), http://www.nps.gov/nr/publications/bulletins/pdfs/nrb41.pdf. Approximately 1,700 cemeteries and 

burial places were entered in the National Register between 1966 and 1992. Id. at 1. 

156 16 U.S.C. § 470h-2.

157 16 U.S.C. § 470i.

158 16 U.S.C. §§ 470f, 470h-2(f).

159 Public Law No. 96-95, 93 Stat. 721 (codified as amended at 16 U.S.C. §§ 470aa–470mm (2012), available at 

http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/fhpl/arpa.pdf). 

160 16 U.S.C. § 470cc.

161 16 U.S.C. § 470ee.

162 16 U.S.C. § 470bb.

163 Public Law No. 101-601, 104 Stat. 3048 (codified as amended at 25 U.S.C. §§ 3001–3013 (2012), and 18 U.S.C. 

§ 1170, available at http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/fhpl/nagpra.pdf).

164 25 U.S.C. §§ 3002, 3005.

165 25 U.S.C. § 3002(d).

166 25 U.S.C. § 3003.

167 18 U.S.C. § 1170.

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of state law. States typically have laws providing for the protection and registration of historic 

places, the authority of municipalities to establish historic preservation districts, the regulation of 

cemeteries, and similar laws affecting the preservation of historic cemeteries. To take 

Pennsylvania as an example, the Historic Preservation Act,168 the Historic District Act,169 and 

the Historic Burial Places Preservation Act170 are among the laws of that state relevant to the 

preservation of cemeteries.

171

Local governments are also empowered to provide for historic preservation within their borders 

through enabling legislation found in most states that delegate to municipalities “the police 

power of the state to regulate the preservation of historic or architecturally significant 

private property.”172 

168 37 PA. CONS. STAT. §§ 501–512, http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType= 

HTM&ttl=37&div=0&chpt=5 (last visited Mar. 31, 2014). 

169 Act of June 13, 1961, P.L. 282, No. 167, http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1961/0/0167..PDF. 

170 Act of Apr. 29, 1994, P.L. 141, No. 22, http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1994/0/0022..PDF.

171 In addition to these laws, other Pennsylvania laws relevant to cemetery preservation are listed in Pennsylvania 

Laws Regarding Burial Practices and Cemeteries, PA. HISTORICAL & MUSEUM COMM’N, http://www.portal. 

state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_laws_regarding_burial_practices_and_cemeteries/1956 (last 

visited Mar. 31, 2014). 

172 Scott H. Rothstein, Comment, Takings Jurisprudence Comes In From the Cold: Preserving Interiors Through 

Landmark Designation, 26 CONN. L. REV. 1105, 1109 (1994) (footnote omitted).

The Law Library of Congress 20