For a dying declaration to be admissible, what must be proven?

For a dying declaration to be admissible in a legal context, it is essential to demonstrate that the individual was aware of their impending death. This awareness provides the foundation for the reliability and credibility of the statement made, under the premise that individuals on the brink of death are presumed to speak the truth. The rationale is that they are unlikely to have a motive to lie when facing death.

While other factors might influence the declarant's credibility or the circumstances surrounding the declaration, such as receiving medical assistance or being a witness to the incident, these elements do not inherently validate the admissibility of the declaration itself. Focus on the person's awareness of their imminent death is crucial because it speaks directly to the trustworthiness of what was said in those final moments.