mental capacity

noun

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

Dictionary Entries Near mental capacity

Cite this Entry

“Mental capacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/mental%20capacity. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!