What is the generally accepted age under which a child cannot commit a crime?

The generally accepted age under which a child cannot commit a crime is 7 years old. This principle is backed by the idea of "doli incapax," a legal term that refers to the incapacity of a child to commit a crime due to a lack of understanding of the wrongfulness of their actions.

In many jurisdictions, the age of 7 is considered a threshold below which children are presumed not to have the mental capacity to appreciate the consequences of their actions or to form the necessary intent to commit a crime. This is why when children under this age engage in behavior that could be deemed criminal, they are often treated differently under the law, focusing more on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

While some jurisdictions may establish different ages or legal exceptions, the consensus is that at 7 years of age, children are at a critical developmental stage, and the law typically does not hold them criminally liable.