define shall be competent when used in law
Â§ 40.1-5.3-3 Competency to stand trial. â (a) Definitions. As used in this section: (1) Attorney for the state means the attorney general, an authorized assistant attorney general, or such other person as may be authorized by law to act as a representative of the state in a criminal proceeding; (2) Competent or competency means mental ability to stand trial. A person is mentally competent to stand trial if he or she is able to understand the character and consequences of the proceedings against him or her and is able properly to assist in his or her defense; (3) Department means the state department of mental health, retardation, and hospitals.