In Re Michael

OPINION

KELLEHER, Justice.

This Family Court appeal concerns a delinquency petition filed against Michael, a twelve-year-old. The petition alleged that Michael raped a five-year-old girl. Michael was adjudicated to be wayward rather than delinquent because the trial justice, while being convinced that Michael had assaulted the girl, was doubtful that a rape had occurred. An order was entered that Michael be confined to the Rhode Island Training School for Boys for a year. Since the question is whether Michael was criminally “responsible” for his actions, it is necessary that we give a brief…