Most states have declared that an individual is dead when:
A)the soul leaves the body
B)cells die from lack of oxygen
C)the heart stops beating
D)the brain ceases functioning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice is D because brain death is now widely accepted as the legal definition of death in most states. This is because when the brain ceases functioning, all bodily functions, including response to stimuli and breathing, cease as well. While the heart stopping and lack of oxygen can lead to brain death, they are not necessarily sufficient markers for declaring legal death. The concept of a "soul" leaving the body is not defined or measurable in a medical or legal context.

Most States Have Declared That an Individual Is Dead When