What is the minimum age of criminal responsibility?

The minimum age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10 years old. This means that children under this age cannot be charged with a criminal offence, as the law presumes they do not have the capacity to commit a crime. This principle is grounded in the belief that children under this age lack the maturity and understanding necessary to comprehend the nature and consequences of their actions.

In legal terms, once a child reaches the age of 10, they can be prosecuted for serious crimes, although there are often special provisions and considerations in the justice system regarding how young offenders are treated. This age was established to strike a balance between protecting society and ensuring that children are not unduly subjected to criminal sanctions before they are considered capable of understanding their actions.

The other options, while related, either do not reflect the current law or pertain to different jurisdictions or contexts regarding the treatment of youth in the legal system. Therefore, the correct answer is based on the established legal framework concerning the age at which a child can be held criminally responsible.