Corpun file 25099 at www.corpun.com
cbs8.com (KFMB-TV Channel 8), San Diego, California, 21 January 2014
CA court upholds mother's right to spank daughter
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - A California court has sided with a mother who was placed on a state child abuse database after spanking her 12-year-old daughter.
The mother, Veronica Gonzalez, was reported for child abuse after she spanked her daughter with a wooden spoon, causing bruises.
The Santa Clara Department of Social Services submitted the incident for inclusion in the state Justice Department's Child Abuse Central Index, which is used to screen prospective adoptive or foster care parents and child care workers.
Gonzalez argued at trial that no consideration was given to her parental right to impose reasonable discipline on her child, who was slacking off in school.
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Mark H. Pierce agreed with Gonzalez, saying the Legislature has recognized reasonable corporal punishment as a legitimate disciplinary measure.
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