Clearing up bad information

"As a parent, I don't dare spank my child, even though I think he needs it. DHR will take mychildren away!" Ever heard that one? Is it true of false?

How about this one—"You can't touch my child. You touch my child and I will call my lawyer."

Well, let's take a look at what the law says, and see if that clears it up for us:

Code of Alabama 13A-3-24
Use of force by persons with parental, custodial or special responsibilities.
The use of force upon another person is justified under any of the following circumstances:
(1) A parent, guardian or other person responsible for the care and supervision of a minor or an incompetent person, and a teacher or other person responsible for the care and supervision of a minor for a special purpose, may use reasonable and appropriate physical force upon the minor or incompetent person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary and appropriate to maintain discipline or to promote the welfare of the minor or incompetent person.

There are times when in order to conduct class, a child must leave the room. Should he or she refuse and the only options are to let little Buford hold the class hostage with his fit or to physically remove him (even though he may kick and scream), the law maintains we are justified in removing the child in order to maintain discipline, not to mention do a little teaching.