Smacking

Paediatricians have called on Northern Ireland to follow neighbouring jurisdictions in banning child smacking. At present, the law in Northern Ireland and in England allows parents to rely on a defence of "reasonable punishment" where accused of assaulting their child.

A law banning physical punishment of children comes into effect in Wales today, meaning England is now the only nation in Britain to allow parents to hit their kids. Parents, or those responsible for a child, may face criminal charges if they physically discipline a young person in any way. They cou