What is a dying declaration?

A dying declaration is specifically defined as a statement made by a person who believes they are near death, regarding the cause or circumstances of their impending death. This principle originates from the legal doctrine which allows such statements to be admissible in court under the assumption that a person would not lie on their deathbed. In this context, the key aspect is the belief of the individual that they are dying, which lends credence to the truthfulness of their statement.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of a dying declaration. While a statement made by a deceased person could imply a declaration, it fails to include the critical element of the individual's belief in their imminent death. A confession made under duress, although potentially truthful, does not relate to a declaration made at the point of death and has different legal implications. Lastly, a report filed by medical personnel does not pertain to an individual's spoken statement regarding their circumstances but rather is documentation created by health professionals.