§ 609.379

In Re Welfare of Children of N.F. · 2007 1 citation

Appellants argue that the term “physical abuse” requires proof of a physical injury. The above-quoted statute does not define the term “physical abuse,” but it refers to the definition of “child abuse” in MinmStat. § 260C.007, subd. 5 (2006). Subdivision 5 defines “child abuse” as any act that involves a minor victim and violates statutes that criminalize assault, prostitution, sexual abuse, child pornography, and neglect, endangerment, and malicious punishment of a child. 2 Malicious punishment of a child means “an intentional act or a series of intentional acts with respect to a child, [which] evidences unreasonable force or cruel discipline that is excessive under the circumstances.” Minn. Stat. § 609.377, subd. 1 (2006); see also Minn. Stat. § 609.379, subd. 1(a) (2006) (allowing parents to use “reasonable force” to restrain or correct their children).

State v. Soukup · 1985 1 citation

+ 1 more citation in this opinion.