title: Debate about parents' right to spank causes divisions among MDs.
abstract: Does spanking involve child abuse, or is it an acceptable form of discipline in Canada? Section 43 of the Criminal Code allows "reasonable" force on the part of a teacher or parent as a disciplinary measure, but an advocacy group believes that this section of the code should be repealed. However, a recent court case indicates that abolition of corporal punishment is not a black-and-white issue.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D002651:Child Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents; D010372:Pediatrics; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011678:Punishment