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 South Carolina, school discipline and punishment are governed by state statutes found within the South Carolina Code of Laws, particularly in the Education Code, as well as by the policies and procedures of individual school districts. Exclusionary discipline, such as suspension and expulsion, is permitted under South Carolina law, and the specific grounds and procedures for these disciplinary actions are typically outlined in the state's statutes and the student codes of conduct of each school district. As for corporal punishment, it is legal in South Carolina and regulated by state law, which allows local school boards to decide whether to permit corporal punishment in their districts. However, any form of discipline, including corporal punishment, must be administered in a non-discriminatory manner and comply with federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title IX, which provide additional protections for certain groups of students. It's important to note that state and federal criminal laws may also apply to student conduct that is considered a crime, whether it occurs on school property or during school-sponsored events.