Mental Competency
/ˈmen(t)l kəmˈpɛtənsi/
Definitions
- (n.) The legal ability of an individual to understand and make informed decisions, often assessed in contexts such as standing trial or executing contracts.
The court held a hearing to determine the defendant's mental competency to stand trial.
- (n.) A standard of mental capacity required for a person to enter into binding legal agreements or to manage personal affairs.
The attorney evaluated the client's mental competency before drafting the will.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Mental competency is context-dependent and may vary in its legal threshold based on jurisdiction and specific legal proceedings.
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.