A testament is the witnessing of one's intention, made under no present fear of danger, but in expectancy of death.

Explanation

A valid will must be made freely, without duress or imminent peril clouding judgment — it is a deliberate declaration of intent made in contemplation of mortality, not in the panic of danger.

Where this applies

• A soldier writes a will in a foxhole during heavy shelling, and the court questions its validity because a testament should be made in contemplation of mortality generally, not under the panic of imminent danger.
• A man signs a will while being held at gunpoint, and the court voids it because the document was made under present fear of danger, not by free deliberation.
• A woman drafts her will calmly at her kitchen table while in good health — this is a proper testament because it was made in thoughtful contemplation of death, not under duress.