A more thorough explanation:

Incompetence refers to the lack of legal ability to do something, such as testifying or standing trial. It can be caused by various types of disqualification, inability, or unfitness. In popular usage, it refers to a general lack of ability or qualification to do something.

• If someone is underage, they may be judged incompetent to make certain legal decisions.
• If a person has a mental illness that affects their ability to understand legal proceedings, they may be judged incompetent to stand trial.
• If a person lacks the necessary skills or knowledge to perform a job, they may be considered incompetent in that field.

These examples illustrate how incompetence can refer to different types of disqualifications or unfitness, depending on the context.

In some jurisdictions, any interested person may petition for a court to declare someone incompetent. Before the hearing, the court or petitioner must notify the alleged incompetent. Participation in the hearing is not limited to those who received notice. Instead, any interested person may get involved. Incompetence hearings do not follow the typical adversarial plaintiff v. defendant pattern. Instead, their rules and procedures assume that everyone involved wants what is best for the alleged incompetent.

Contested incompetency hearings can be very difficult and expensive. The court may appoint a guardian to assist the incompetent person in making decisions.

Overall, incompetence refers to a lack of legal ability or general qualification to do something, and can have serious legal and personal consequences.