The phrase "compos mentis" means rational or of sound mind. The phrase originates from two Latin words "compos," meaning 'being adept or having mastery of' and "mentis" meaning "pertaining to the mind." The word is often used in legal parlance to denote a sane minded person. When a person is declared "compos mentis" by law, it means that he is of sound mind and understanding, and hence capable of attending a court-trial session.
The term "non compos mentis' (you don't need to be an Einstein to figure this one!) is a person who is legally declared as mentally incompetent, or of insane mind. Compos Mentis is incidentally the name of a Danish metal band and an Australian funk group.
The term "non compos mentis' (you don't need to be an Einstein to figure this one!) is a person who is legally declared as mentally incompetent, or of insane mind. Compos Mentis is incidentally the name of a Danish metal band and an Australian funk group.