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incompetency plea

the plea, in a court of law, that the defendant, because of mental illness, mental defect, or other reasons, does not understand the nature and objective of the proceedings; cannot appreciate or comprehend his or her own condition in relation to the proceedings; or is unable, for some other reason, to assist the attorney in his or her own defense. See also competency to stand trial.

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Psychology term of the day

January 28th 2025

Da Costa’s syndrome

Da Costa’s syndrome

an anxiety state identified in soldiers during the American Civil War (1861–1865) in which heart palpitations were the most prominent symptom. It is now recognized as a form of panic disorder observed in soldiers during the stress of combat and marked by fatigue, heart palpitations, chest pain, and breathing difficulty. See also combat stress reaction; effort syndrome. [Jacob Méndes Da Costa (1833–1900), U.S. surgeon]