of unsound mind
Adjective 1. Legally incompetent due to mental illness or impairment: A legal term describing a person whose mental faculties are so impaired that they cannot understand the nature and consequences of their actions or participate rationally in legal proceedings, such as a trial. 2. Mentally disordered or irrational: Describes a state of mind that is not sane, healthy, or fully rational.
This is a formal, primarily legal adjective phrase. It is typically used in legal contexts to describe a defendant's mental state or in formal declarations regarding a person's mental capacity. * The court ruled the defendant was of unsound mind and therefore could not stand trial. * A person declared of unsound mind may have their financial affairs managed by a guardian.
- The psychiatrist's testimony was crucial in proving the accused was of unsound mind at the time of the crime.
- The old will was contested on the grounds that the testator was of unsound mind when he signed it.
- (Formal/Historical) He was committed to an asylum after being found of unsound mind.
- To be found of unsound mind: A common legal formulation resulting from a judicial or medical determination.
- After the evaluation, she was found of unsound mind.
- Of unsound mind and memory: An older, more specific legal phrase sometimes used in the context of making a will (testamentary capacity).
- The law requires a person to be of sound mind and memory to make a valid will.
- Non compos mentis (adj.): A Latin legal term with a nearly identical meaning to "of unsound mind."
- Incompetent (adj., legal sense): Lacking the legal ability or qualification, often due to mental status. (e.g., ).
- Insane (adj.): A broader, sometimes less technical term for a severely mentally ill or irrational state.
- Mentally incompetent
- Legally insane
- Not mentally fit
- Incapacitated (in a legal/mental sense)
- Of sound mind
- Sane
- Competent (legal sense)
- Lucid
- Composable mentis
- not of sound mind, memory, or understanding; in law, not competent to go to trial