Legal Definitions - mental capacity

Definition: Mental capacity refers to a person's ability to understand and make decisions.

Examples:

• A person with dementia may have diminished mental capacity and may not be able to make decisions about their medical care.
• A person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol may have decreased mental capacity and may not be able to understand the consequences of their actions.
• A person who is of legal age and sound mind has the mental capacity to enter into a binding contract.

These examples illustrate how mental capacity can affect a person's ability to make decisions and understand the consequences of their actions. It is important to consider a person's mental capacity when making legal or medical decisions that may affect them.