What's the word?

Question

Hello,What is the legal term you use when you want to say that someone is responsible for what they did in a legal sense and can be prosecuted?(I have found "capacity" but I don't think it's the word.)Thanks!

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

liable ?

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, Clive, but I’m not sure. I mean the word that implies you can act on your own (like a child is old enough or because someone is mentally healthy).

It also has to do with age: there’s an age in every country from which a child is considered this.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

legally competent ?

Clive

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousWhat is the legal term you use when you want to say that someone is responsible for what they did in a legal sense and can be prosecuted?

In the U.S. it's competent. The accused must be able to understand the charges against him and able to understand the trial process before he can go to trial. In doubtful cases there will be a compentency hearing. If the accused is judged competent, the trial can begin, and the accused may enter a plea of diminished capacity or insanity, but this is separate from his competence to stand trial.

Note that the issue of whether the person is responsible for what he did is different from the issue of whether he understands what he is being accused of and understands the proceedings of a court. If the jury finds that he is responsible for what he did, they deliver a verdict of guilty.

CJ

Hardell · Answer

I believe Clive's "Liable" is what you mean.

E.g.: Kids are under the age of criminal responsibility. Which basically means the same as "They are not liable". Therefore "Criminally responsible"="Liable".

I hope I'm right

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you very much for your detailed answer, CalifJim! Yes, ’’(legally) competent” is the term I was searching for.

Thanks, Clive, to you, too! [Y]

And thank you, Hardell.

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