Cognition

/ˌkɒɡˈnɪʃ.ən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses, relevant in legal contexts such as assessing competency or intent.
    The court evaluated the defendant's cognition to determine criminal responsibility.

Commentary

In legal contexts, cognition often relates to a person's mental state and capacity, impacting assessments of responsibility and consent.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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