Competent

Definition - adj
1  : having or showing requisite or adequate ability or qualities <a ~ lawyer> <~ representation by counsel>
2 a  : free from addiction or mental defect that renders one incapable of taking care of oneself or one's property
b  : capable of understanding one's position as a criminal defendant and the nature of the criminal proceedings and able to participate in one's defense
compare capacity incompetent insanity
3  : legally qualified or adequate: as
a  : having the necessary power or authority <a judge of ~ jurisdiction ­U.S. Code>
b  : qualified for presentation in court
: admissible as evidence or capable of giving admissible evidence <a ~ witness>
c  : See also intelligent<a ~ waiver>
Pronunciation'käm-p&-t&nt

Pronunciation Key

  • \&\ as a and u in a b ut
  • \[^&]\ as e in kitt en
  • \&r\ as ur and er in f urther
  • \a\ as a inash
  • \A\ as a in ace
  • \Š\ as o in m op
  • \au\ as ou in ou t
  • \ch\ as ch in ch in
  • \e\ as e in bet
  • \E\ as ea in easy
  • \g\ as g in go
  • \i\ as i in hit
    		•
  • \I\ as i in ice
  • \j\ as j in job
  • \[ng]\ as ng in sing
  • \O\ as o in go
  • \o\ as aw in law
  • \oi\ as oy in boy
  • \th\ as th in thin
  • \[th_]\ as thin the
  • \Ÿ\ as oo in loot
  • \u\ as oo in foot
  • \y\ as y in yet
  • \zh\ as si in vision
    		•


    Search Legal Dictionary


    Based on Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©2001.
    Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
    Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.
    http://www.m-w.com    		 Merriam-Webster

    due process clause

    a clause in a constitution prohibiting the government from depriving a person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law


    Terms & Conditions   Privacy   Copyright © 2008 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.