mental capacity

mental capacity

noun

Definition of MENTAL CAPACITY

1

: sufficient understanding and memory to comprehend in a general way the situation in which one finds oneself and the nature, purpose, and consequence of any act or transaction into which one proposes to enter

2

: the degree of understanding and memory the law requires to uphold the validity of or to charge one with responsibility for a particular act or transaction <mental capacity to commit crime requires that the accused know right from wrong>