South Dakota Codified Laws 23A-22-12. Dying declarations defined–Admissibility in homicide prosecutions–Admissibilityfor defense
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Dying declarations are statements of material facts concerning the cause and circumstances constituting the res gestae of any felony made by the victim voluntarily while not mentally ill and under the fixed and solemn belief that his death is inevitable and near at hand.
In all prosecutions for manslaughter or murder, all dying declarations are always admissible in evidence, if the deceased would have been a competent witness if living.
Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 23A-22-12
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
All such declarations are also admissible in behalf of the defense.
Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 34.3632; SDCL, § 23-44-4; SL 1975, ch 169, § 7; SL 1976, ch 324; SL 1978, ch 178, § 283.