What is required for a dying declaration to be admissible in court?

For a dying declaration to be admissible in court, the individual making the declaration must have a belief that their death is imminent. This requirement is grounded in the legal principle that statements made in such a context carry a high degree of reliability, as the person, knowing they are on the brink of death, is presumed to speak truthfully about the events leading to their situation. The urgency and finality of the circumstances compel a person to disclose the truth, as they are not likely to have any reason to lie when facing death.

Other options do not hold legal weight in this context. For example, having a witness present may be beneficial for corroboration, but it is not a requirement for the declaration’s admissibility. Recording the declaration on video or having it signed by a notary are procedural elements that do not influence the core criterion of the declarant's belief in their impending death. Therefore, the essential factor remains that the person must genuinely believe they are facing death for their statement to be considered a dying declaration.