What is a dying declaration?

A dying declaration is defined as a statement made by an individual who believes they are nearing death and are expressing their last words or thoughts related to the circumstances surrounding their impending death. The legal principle behind this type of statement is that individuals who are in the process of dying are often deemed to be more truthful, as they are not expected to have ulterior motives in their declarations.

This type of evidence is typically admissible in court, particularly in homicide cases, under the assumption that the gravity of the situation compels the individual to speak the truth. The statement can only be admitted if it pertains to the cause or circumstances of what the individual believes is their impending death.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a dying declaration. Various other types of statements or circumstances might involve personal beliefs or situations, but they lack the specific legal context and the expectation of imminent death that characterizes a dying declaration.