Under common law, how is a child's capacity to commit a crime determined based on age?

The determination of a child's capacity to commit a crime under common law is based primarily on the age of the child, particularly focusing on the threshold of 7 years. According to common law principles, children under the age of 7 are generally not considered capable of committing a crime (this principle is often referred to as "infancy"). This is rooted in the belief that children are not developmentally mature enough to understand the nature and consequences of their actions.

For children aged 7 to 14, there is a presumption that they may be capable of criminal behavior, but this presumption can be rebutted. If a child in this age range can demonstrate an understanding of right and wrong, they may be held criminally responsible. For children over the age of 14, they can be prosecuted in a juvenile court or criminal court, depending on the severity of the crime and the legal statutes in place.

This foundational understanding of age as a factor in criminal responsibility aligns with the view that while younger children may lack the requisite cognitive maturity to be held accountable for their actions, those who are older may be subject to legal consequences, albeit with considerations for the juvenile justice system. Thus, the statement regarding children under 7 being exempt from prosecution accurately