Disciplining A Child
Minn. Stat. 609.379 — reasonable force by a parent to restrain or correct
In Minnesota, reasonable force may be used on a child without the child's consent by a parent, legal guardian or other caretaker, in the exercise of lawful authority, to restrain or correct the child.
Where it applies. The section applies to the offenses and chapters it lists, among them false imprisonment, child neglect and endangerment, and the chapter on reporting maltreatment of minors.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA parent may use any force to correct a child | What the law actually doesReasonable force, in the exercise of lawful authority |
| The assumptionThe permission covers every offense | What the law actually doesIt applies to the sections and chapter the section lists |
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 Minnesota attorney reads a specific situation.
Sources for this section (1)
- Minn. Stat. 609.379 — Permitted actions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Minnesota attorney.