Q. 1. I heard that a child cannot sin until such time as he has reached the age of reason. What is the age of reason?

A. 1. According to the Church Canon Law, "A minor before the completion of the seventh year is called an infant and is considered not responsible for oneself (non sui compos). With the completion of the seventh year, however, a minor is presumed to have the use of reason." [Catholic Code of Canon Law # 97 §2]

For the above reason, the Catholic Church teaches that only a child age 8 and over can sin.