competent
com·pe·tent / ˈkämpətənt/ • adj. having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. ∎ (of a person) efficient and capable: an infinitely competent mother of three. ∎ acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding: she spoke quite competent French. ∎ (chiefly of a court or other body) accepted as having legal authority to deal with a particular matter. ∎ (of a criminal defendant) able to understand the charges and to aid in defending themselves. ∎ Biol. & Med. capable of performing the normal function effectively.DERIVATIVES: com·pe·tent·ly adv.
competent
Hence competence, competency sufficiency (of qualification) XVI.
Competent
COMPETENT
Possessing the necessary reasoning abilities or legal qualifications; qualified; capable; sufficient.
A court is competent if it has been given jurisdiction, by statute or constitution, to hear particular types of lawsuits.
A testator is competent to make a will if he or she understands what a will is and its effects, the nature and extent of the property involved, and the relationships with the people named in the will and those disinherited.