Lawfulness of corporal punishment

Home

French law partially applies in St Pierre and Miquelon. Corporal punishment is lawful in the home, under the parental “right of correction” in customary law.

Children have limited protection from violence and abuse under the French Criminal and Civil Codes and French Act No. 2004-1 on Childcare and Protection (2004).

Schools

There is no explicit prohibition in law of corporal punishment in schools and “light correction” is tolerated in the same way as it is for parents.

Penal system

Corporal punishment is unlawful as a sentence for crime and as a disciplinary measure in penal institutions.

Alternative care

Corporal punishment is not explicitly prohibited in other institutions and forms of childcare. Prosecution is possible under the French Criminal Code.

Workplace

No information.

Prevalence research

None identified.

Recommendations by human rights treaty bodies