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 Maine, school discipline and punishment are governed by state statutes within the Education Code and are further detailed in the policies and procedures of individual schools. Maine law prohibits corporal punishment in public schools, aligning with the state's commitment to non-violent disciplinary methods. Exclusionary discipline, such as suspension and expulsion, is permitted under Maine law but is regulated to ensure due process and the protection of students' educational rights. The Maine Revised Statutes Title 20-A, Section 1001, mandates that school boards adopt policies that conform to the standards of student discipline as prescribed by the state. Federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title IX, also apply to school discipline in Maine, providing additional protections for students with disabilities and against discrimination. 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 public schools are directly subject to these regulations, private schools and charter schools may have different policies, although they must still comply with applicable federal laws.