What is the requirement for children under 10 regarding criminal responsibility in serious crimes as per the Children Act 2001?

Under the Children Act 2001, the legal framework in Ireland establishes that children under the age of 10 years are not criminally responsible for their actions. This principle embodies the belief that young children lack the capacity to understand the nature and consequences of their actions in a way that would make them culpable for serious crimes.

As such, regardless of the offense, a child under this age cannot be found guilty of a crime or subjected to criminal proceedings. This reflects a broader understanding in child welfare and criminal law that aims to protect young individuals who are not developmentally ready to grasp the implications of their actions, thereby promoting rehabilitation rather than punishment for youth.

The other options do not align with this legal principle. Claiming full responsibility would be inconsistent with the protective stance of the law, while stating they can only be charged with lesser offenses overlooks the complete immunity from criminal charges under 10. Lastly, the requirement for trial in juvenile court pertains to older children, particularly those who are over 10, thus not applying to this specific age group.