World News for Students of English

16-01-2023 15:00

A six-year-old boy shot a teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Virginia, United States.

25-year-old Abigail Zwerner was shot through her hand, and the bullet landed in her chest. She’s currently in stable condition at a local hospital. The boy brought the gun to the school and fired it in the class; he is held in emergency custody and temporary detention order.

Although authorities said the shooting wasn’t accidental, it may not be prosecuted as a crime. For any person to stand a trial, they must be capable of criminal intent; the law generally recognizes that ability at 7 years old. Also, the child has to understand the nature of the proceedings, be able to assist his lawyer, understand the role of a judge and a prosecutor, and understand his own rights. Julie McConnell is a lawyer and the director of the Children’s Defense Clinic at the University of Richmond; she said a 6-year-old child would never be able to understand such complex legal factors.

According to police, the boy’s mother had legally purchased the firearm, and she could face charges for criminal negligence.

Difficult words: detention (the arrest or imprisonment of someone), intent (intention or purpose), negligence (failure to take proper care).

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