No, cannibalism is not explicitly legal in New Hampshire, as state statutes prohibit acts constituting extreme bodily harm or endangerment under NH RSA 632-A (Assault and Related Offenses). While no law directly mentions “cannibalism,” prosecutors may pursue charges under aggravated assault, manslaughter, or even homicide statutes if the act involves another person’s death or severe injury. The NH Attorney General’s Office (2025 guidance) clarifies that consent is not a valid defense in such cases, aligning with the state’s public policy against bodily autonomy violations. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1111) further criminalizes murder, which could apply in interstate contexts.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in New Hampshire
- NH RSA 632-A:1 (Aggravated Assault): Imposes felony charges for causing “serious bodily harm,” which courts have interpreted to include dismemberment or consumption of human tissue. Penalties range from 7–15 years imprisonment.
- NH RSA 630:1 (Manslaughter): Applies if the act results in death without premeditation, carrying up to 30 years in state prison. The NH Supreme Court (2024, State v. Holloway) affirmed this interpretation in a 2023 case involving ritualistic practices.
- Local Ordinances: Municipal health departments (e.g., Manchester and Nashua) may impose additional civil penalties for public health violations, such as improper disposal of remains under NH Code Env-Hw 1000.