Julie McConnell is a lawyer and the director of the Children’s Defense Clinic at the University of Richmond. "This really isn't a criminal matter. This is a matter of what would be in the best interest of this child," McConnell said. McConnell says for anyone to stand trial, they must be capable of forming criminal intent but the law generally recognizes that ability at 7 years old. "That means the child has to understand the nature of the proceedings, be able to assist his lawyer in pursuing the case, understand the role of a judge and a prosecutor understand his own rights. Those are complex legal factors that a 6-year-old just would never be able to understand," McConnell said. #virginia #teachershot #scrippsnews ------------------------------------- Newsy is your source for news and analysis covering the top stories from around the world. With persistent curiosity and no agenda, we strive to fuel meaningful conversations by highlighting multiple sides of every story. It’s news with the why. Join our newsletter at http://bit.ly/2q1tepr See more at http://www.newsy.com/ Like Newsy on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/newsy/ Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/newsy