Mental Competency Evaluation
/ˈmɛn.təl kəmˈpɛtənsi ˌiː.vəˈluː.eɪ.ʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal and psychological assessment to determine an individual's capacity to understand and participate in legal proceedings or manage personal affairs.
The court ordered a mental competency evaluation to decide if the defendant could stand trial.
Forms
- mental competency evaluation
- mental competency evaluations
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Mental competency evaluations are critical in legal contexts to ensure fair trial rights and protect individuals' autonomy; drafting should specify the scope and criteria for evaluation.
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.