Child Abuse & Neglect, 2010, 34(2): 81

This letter takes issue with Miller-Perrin, Perrin & Kocur's 2009 paper 'Parental physical and psychological aggression: Psychological symptoms in young adults.' (Child Abuse & Neglect, 33(1)). The author considers Miller-Perrin et al repeat a common misapprehension in relation to corporal punishment of children with their statement '…the question of whether or not corporal punishment results in detrimental outcomes is central to the current debate about the value and appropriateness of spanking as a parenting technique.' Hassall states that the main argument against legally sanctioned assault on children is not whether or not it inflicts harm but a question of rights, that is, whether or not one person is entitled to assault another. Record #1822