Laws regarding school discipline and punishment vary from state to state; from school district to school district; and between public schools, private schools, and charter schools. School discipline and punishment laws are generally located in a state’s statutes (often in the Education Code) and further defined in a specific school’s policies and procedures. Federal laws may also apply in particular school discipline contexts. And state and federal criminal laws may apply to certain student conduct that occurs on school property or at school-sponsored events.

Exclusionary discipline is any type of school discipline that removes or excludes a student from their usual educational setting. Two of the most common exclusionary discipline actions are suspension and expulsion.

Corporal punishment is the use of physical force—usually paddling or spanking—to punish a student for misbehavior. Corporal punishment against students is legal in approximately 19 states but is controversial and the subject of proposed state and federal legislation to limit or prohibit its use.

In Alabama, school discipline and punishment are governed by state statutes within the Alabama Code, particularly in the sections pertaining to Education Law. These laws provide the framework for how public schools, private schools, and charter schools handle disciplinary actions, including suspensions and expulsions. Alabama is one of the states where corporal punishment is legal and can be used as a form of discipline in schools. The use of corporal punishment, however, is subject to school district policies and parental consent in some cases. Federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), also impact school discipline by providing specific protections for students with disabilities. Additionally, state and federal criminal laws may be invoked for student conduct that constitutes a crime, whether it occurs on school property or during school-sponsored events. It's important to note that while corporal punishment is legal in Alabama, there is ongoing debate and legislative efforts at both the state and federal level aimed at limiting or ending the practice.