What is the age of criminal responsibility in New South Wales?

In New South Wales, the age of criminal responsibility is set at 10 years old. This means that a child younger than 10 years cannot be held criminally responsible for their actions. The legal framework recognizes that children below this age are not capable of forming the necessary intent to commit a crime, reflecting a general understanding of childhood development and maturity.

In circumstances where a child aged between 10 and 14 commits an offense, it is up to the prosecution to prove that they had the capacity to understand the nature of their actions. This principle aligns with the rationale that children in this age bracket may not fully comprehend the consequences of their behavior. This legal stipulation fosters an approach focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment for younger individuals, emphasizing the importance of educational and developmental support instead of criminal sanctioning for those under the designated age.