Shochet's deathbed confession of approving animals with nicked knife

Description

The Chasam Sofer rules that the shochet's deathbed confession is believed, grounding credibility in the principle that one does not jest at the time of death combined with the force of viduy in issur matters. The confession is accepted only within its stated scope — leniency after finding a post-shechitah pegimah — and not extended to suspicion of slaughtering with a defective knife from the outset. Remaining meat and fat may be treated leniently on the basis of rov and the inherent uncertainty of post-shechitah pegimah; utensils that can be kashered by hag'alah must be kashered, earthenware used as kli sheini suffices with me'es le'es, but kli rishon pots may not be permitted; the shochet may not resume slaughtering without prolonged supervision until his righteousness is clearly established.