mental capacity

noun

Medical 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

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Cite this Entry

“Mental capacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/mental%20capacity. Accessed 6 Jul. 2022.

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