ante mortem

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Ante mortem \An`te mor"tem\ [L.]
   Before death; -- generally used adjectively; as, an
   ante-mortem statement; ante-mortem examination.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: The ante-mortem statement, or dying declaration made in
         view of death, by one injured, as to the cause and
         manner of the injury, is often receivable in evidence
         against one charged with causing the death.
         [Webster 1913 Suppl.]