Lawful Correction of Children under s 280 of Queensland’s Criminal Code: Retain, Reform, or Rubbish

Section 280 of the Criminal Code (Qld) provides a defence for parents who chastise their children. The available case law suggests that there are few limits to this defence and that s 280 has been used to exculpate many violent outbursts by parents. This article examines the evolution, application, and role of s 280 in a contemporary context and develops recommendations for law reform.