Doli incapax is the legal presumption that a child aged between 12 and 14 is incapable of committing a criminal offence unless the prosecution proves the child understood the conduct was seriously wrong. Learn how doli incapax works in Victoria, including police interviews, Children’s Court matters and early legal advice.

Children under 10 cannot be charged with a crime in Victoria, and special legal principles apply for young people under 14. Most youth matters are heard in the Children’s Court.