Non compos mentis

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The term non compos mentis means 'not of sound mind'. 'Non compos mentis' comes from Latin, non meaning "not," compos meaning "in control," and mentis, genitive singular of mens meaning mind.

Although typically used in law, this term can also be used metaphorically or figuratively. This entails when one is a confused state or state lacking rational thinking.

In English law, the rule of non compos mentis was most commonly used when the defendant invoked religious or magical explanations for behaviour.

• Though authorities differ on this idea, the colloquial term nincompoop, meaning a stupid person, may be a distorted form of non compos mentis.

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