Disciplining A Child
A.R.S. 13-403 — reasonable and appropriate force to maintain discipline
In Arizona, the justification section says a parent or guardian, and a teacher or other person entrusted with a minor's care and supervision, may use reasonable and appropriate physical force on the minor when and to the extent reasonably necessary and appropriate to maintain discipline. Force within that is justifiable and not criminal.
Reasonable, appropriate, and necessary. The section does not list permitted or forbidden acts. It turns on whether the force was reasonable and appropriate, and whether it was reasonably necessary and appropriate to maintain discipline, which is decided on the facts.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionAny physical discipline is assault | What the law actually doesReasonable and appropriate force to maintain discipline is justified |
| The assumptionThe justification covers whatever a parent decides | What the law actually doesOnly to the extent reasonably necessary and appropriate |
Whether particular discipline crossed the line is decided on the facts of the case, and what happens when child protective services opens an investigation is a separate question. A licensed Arizona attorney reads a specific situation.
Sources for this section (1)
- A.R.S. 13-403 — Justification; use of physical force
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Arizona attorney.