Final answer:
The age at which a child can be moved to criminal court differs by location and depends on the alleged crime. Juveniles must be competent to stand trial, and the age of majority is typically 18, although juveniles may be tried as adults in serious crimes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Age at which a Child Can Be Moved to Criminal Court
In the context of juvenile justice, the age at which a child can be tried as an adult varies by jurisdiction and the nature of the offense committed. Generally, suspects, including juveniles, must understand the charges and evidence against them to stand trial. If they are deemed 'incompetent to stand trial' due to reasons such as illness or insanity, the case against them must be dismissed.
Additionally, the trial process must be speedy to ensure that an individual not yet proven guilty is not unduly punished by prolonged incarceration before their trial. It's essential to recognize that childhood legally extends to the age of majority, which typically is 18 in the United States, at which point individuals assume adult responsibilities. However, in the case of serious crimes, some states have provisions allowing for children under 18 to be moved to criminal court to be tried as adults. This is often a subject of debate, as many argue whether juvenile facilities fail to rehabilitate juveniles, pushing the discussion on whether juveniles should be tried as adults for certain crimes, particularly when there is a pattern of re-offending.