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 Utah, school discipline and punishment are governed by state statutes found primarily in the Utah Code, particularly under Title 53G, which pertains to public education. The Utah State Board of Education also sets rules and guidelines that school districts must follow. Each school district in Utah may have its own specific policies and procedures that further detail the application of discipline within its schools. Federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title IX, may also influence school discipline, especially when it concerns the rights of students with disabilities or issues of discrimination. Exclusionary discipline in Utah, such as suspension and expulsion, is regulated by state law and local school district policies, ensuring due process rights for students facing such disciplinary actions. As for corporal punishment, it is prohibited in Utah public schools by state law (Utah Code Section 53G-8-302). However, private and charter schools in Utah may have their own policies regarding corporal punishment, as they are not bound by the same statutes that govern public schools. It's important to note that any student conduct that constitutes a crime can be subject to state and federal criminal laws, regardless of whether the conduct occurs on school property or during school-sponsored events.