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
Cite this Entry
“Mental capacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/mental%20capacity. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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