Disciplining A Child
N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.21 — excessive corporal punishment in the abuse and neglect definitions
In New Jersey, the definitions for child abuse and neglect proceedings include a child whose condition has been impaired, or is in imminent danger of being impaired, because a parent or guardian failed to exercise a minimum degree of care in providing proper supervision, by unreasonably inflicting or allowing to be inflicted harm, or a substantial risk of it, including the infliction of excessive corporal punishment.
Excessive restraint too. The definitions also reach a child on whom excessive physical restraint has been used under circumstances that do not indicate the child's behavior is harmful to the child, others or property.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionAll corporal punishment is neglect | What the law actually doesThe definition names excessive corporal punishment |
| The assumptionRestraining a child is never part of it | What the law actually doesExcessive physical restraint is, outside the circumstances the definition names |
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 New Jersey attorney reads a specific situation.
Sources for this section (1)
- N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.21 — Definitions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.