Legal Definitions - testatio mentis

Testatio mentis is a historical term that refers to a statement made by someone about their last will and testament. It is an expression of their wishes and intentions for how their property and assets should be distributed after their death.

For example, if someone says "I want my house to go to my daughter and my savings to be split equally between my two sons," that would be considered a testatio mentis. It is a clear statement of their intentions for their estate.

Testatio mentis was important in the past because it helped ensure that a person's wishes were carried out after their death. Without a clear statement of their intentions, there could be disputes and confusion among family members and heirs.