At what age does a child typically fall under the jurisdiction of juvenile law?

The correct answer is that a child typically falls under the jurisdiction of juvenile law between the ages of 10 and 17 years old. This range reflects the legal framework in many jurisdictions, where individuals below the age of 18 are considered minors. Juvenile laws are designed to address offenses committed by young people, with the understanding that this age group is still developing and may require different treatment than adults within the criminal justice system.

Children younger than 10 years old are generally not held criminally responsible for their actions in most places, as they are considered incapable of forming the intent necessary to commit a crime. Similarly, individuals who are 17 years old and older may be subject to adult criminal court, depending on the seriousness of the offense and state laws. Therefore, the range of 10 to 17 captures the typical age span for juvenile jurisdiction, which focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment.