Note

A Work in Progress: The Necessity of a Legislative Ban on the Corporal Punishment of Children in The Home in the State of Minnesota

Author: Gracyn Bekius (Washington University in St. Louis)

Abstract

While the era of corporal punishment has largely subsided in many states in the U.S., the practice has not been so widely prohibited in the home. Minnesota’s statute which permits a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker to use “reasonable force” to restrain a child is one such example. Minnesota Statute 609.379(a)(1) has an intended goal of protecting the well-being of children overall. Has the statute been effective? Or is it unintentionally protecting harmful practices of parents, guardians, and caregivers? 
This Note evaluates the legislative approach of Minnesota’s reasonable force statute in congruence with its practical impact. Beginning with a historical preview behind the use of corporal punishment in educational settings, this Note analyzes prevalent issues surrounding state intervention in intrafamilial relations, legislative ambiguity, and the psychological ramifications of corporal punishment on children. Given the historical, legal, and psychological impact of this long-standing debate, this Note proposes an absolute ban on physical punishment of a child, regardless of environment. This will allow Minnesota to continue advancing its protective efforts, as well as to ensure every child’s wellbeing and security.

Keywords: #CorporalPunishment, #ChildWelfare, #MinnesotaLaw, #ReasonableForce, #LegislativeReform

How to Cite: Bekius, G. (2026) “A Work in Progress: The Necessity of a Legislative Ban on the Corporal Punishment of Children in The Home in the State of Minnesota”, Washington University Journal of Law and Policy. 81(1).