Disciplining A Child
Fam. Law § 4-501 — reasonable corporal punishment, in light of the child's age and condition
In Maryland, the domestic violence subtitle says nothing in it shall be construed to prohibit reasonable punishment, including reasonable corporal punishment, in light of the age and condition of the child, from being performed by a parent or stepparent of the child.
Age and condition. Reasonableness is measured in light of the age and condition of the child. Where the person for whom a protective order is sought is a child, abuse may also include abuse of a child as the article defines it elsewhere.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA protective order can rest on any spanking | What the law actually doesThe subtitle does not prohibit reasonable corporal punishment by a parent or stepparent |
| The assumptionReasonable means the same for every child | What the law actually doesIt is measured in light of the age and condition of the child |
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 Maryland attorney reads a specific situation.
Sources for this section (1)
- Md. Code, Fam. Law § 4-501 — Domestic violence: definitions, and reasonable punishment of a child
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.