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Historically the goods of people found guilty of the 'crime' of suicide were forfeit to the crown, often leaving the survivors in poverty, however if the person committed suicide while the balance of the mind was disturbed (non compos mentis)the survivors were not subject to this draconian penalty.
This forfeiture of property for the felony of suicide was seldom applied for many years before its repeal, but it was the letter of the law up to 1870.
An 1823 statute legalized the burial of suicides in consecrated ground, but religious services were not permitted until 1882. In the year 1823 it was enacted that the body of a suicide should be buried privately between the hours of nine and twelve at night, with no religious ceremony. In 1882 this law was altered by the Internments (felo de se) Act, 1882. where every penalty was removed except that internment could not be solemnised by a burial service, and the body may now be committed to the earth at any time, and with such rites or prayers as those in charge of the funeral think fit or may be able to procure.
Church of England Funeral Services for Suicide
Those who have taken their own life may be buried in consecrated ground.
There is a special form of service for those who die knowingly by their own action, and this may be used after consultation with the Area Bishop.
Those who were not responsible for their own action may receive a Christian funeral service. This applies to cremations and burials.
Since 1961 suicide itself is not a crime but there is a special statutory crime of aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring suicide.
Stan
