Disciplining A Child
ORS 161.205 — reasonable physical force to maintain discipline, unless it is abuse
In Oregon, a parent or legal guardian of a minor child may use reasonable physical force on the child when, and to the extent, the parent reasonably believes it necessary to maintain discipline or promote the child's welfare. Force used that way is justified and not criminal.
Unless it is abuse. The justification ends where the physical force constitutes abuse as the child welfare statutes define it. Force that is abuse is not protected by the section, whatever the parent's reason.
Schools. Personnel of a public education program may use reasonable physical force on a student only to the extent consistent with the education statutes the section names, and never as corporal punishment.
Criminal mistreatment. A person with a legal duty to care for another, or who has taken on that care, and who intentionally or knowingly withholds necessary and adequate food, physical care or medical attention commits criminal mistreatment in the first degree, a Class C felony. The same section reaches causing physical injury to a dependent person, one who because of age or disability depends on another for physical needs.
The definition of abuse, the duty to report it, and child welfare proceedings are set out in other chapters not reproduced here. Whether particular force was reasonable is a question of fact for a court, and for a licensed Oregon attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- ORS 161.205 — Use of physical force generally
- ORS 163.205 — Criminal mistreatment in the first degree
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Oregon attorney.