Steve is eight years old and was walking home from school when a twelve year old neighbor boy (Joey) tells him he has candy at his house and to come over and eat some with him. Steve goes to Joey’s house where he eats candy with Joey. After they are done eating Joey takes out a knife and stabs Steve eight times in the chest killing him.
-At common law,Joey would

Question

Steve is eight years old and was walking home from school when a twelve year old neighbor boy (Joey) tells him he has candy at his house and to come over and eat some with him. Steve goes to Joey’s house where he eats candy with Joey. After they are done eating Joey takes out a knife and stabs Steve eight times in the chest killing him.
-​At common law,Joey would

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At common law, children under the age of 14 were presumed to have no criminal capacity, but this presumption could be rebutted if the prosecution could prove that the child knew the difference between right and wrong. Joey's actions could potentially overcome this presumption given the nature of the crime.

Steve Is Eight Years Old and Was Walking Home from School