who can lie in state

In modern usage, “to lie in state” means a deceased leader’s body is placed in an important public building so the public can pay their respects under official, often military, honors.

Basic idea

• The body is usually in a coffin, displayed in a government building (like a parliament or capitol).
• The public is allowed to file past and view or pay respects.
• There is often an honor guard, flags, and other state or military symbols.

Who can lie in state? (Especially in the U.S.)

In the United States, lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda is a rare honor reserved for people who have rendered distinguished national service.

Typically, those eligible are:

• Presidents and former presidents.
• President‑elects.
• High‑ranking government officials (for example, members of Congress, sometimes Supreme Court justices or senior military commanders).
• Other individuals specifically designated by the president or approved by Congress’ leaders or by a formal congressional resolution.

Custom and congressional practice mean:

• A person’s family must agree.
• Congressional leadership (or a joint resolution) must approve the use of the Capitol for lying in state.

Only a few dozen people in all of U.S. history have been granted this specific honor.

“Lying in state” vs. “lying in honor”

Some countries (including the U.S.) make a distinction:

• Lying in state : for top public officials and sometimes certain senior military leaders.
• Lying in honor : similar public viewing in the same space, but for private citizens or public servants who didn’t hold qualifying high office, still requiring congressional approval in the U.S.

So, not just anyone can “lie in state”; it’s a ceremonial privilege controlled by the state and usually reserved for those who held high office or made extraordinary contributions to the nation.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.