What is a legal copy of the original document stating a person's death?

A certified copy of a death certificate is the legal document that officially states a person's death. This copy is issued by the vital statistics office or the appropriate authority in the jurisdiction where the death occurred. It serves as proof of death and is often required for legal purposes such as settling estates, claiming life insurance benefits, and other administrative tasks associated with the deceased's affairs.

The term "certified" indicates that the document is an official reproduction of the original death certificate, complete with a raised seal or signature from a government authority. This level of authentication is important because it ensures that the copy is legitimate and recognized by various institutions.

The other options do not fit the criteria of a legal document stating a person's death in the same way. A death transcript typically refers to an unofficial record or summary; a funeral record contains information pertinent to the arrangements made by the funeral home but is not an official record of death; and a mortuary certificate, while it may be related to the death, does not hold the same legal weight as a certified death certificate. Therefore, the certified copy of a death certificate is the correct answer.