Here is one example of a legal definition of child abuse (from the State of California):         Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect       
   To better understand this issue and to view it across States, see the   Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect: Summary of State Laws   (     PDF     - 442 KB) publication.  
    Physical Abuse         Citation: Penal Code  11165.6; 11165.3      Child abuse or neglect  includes :     
           Physical injury inflicted by other than accidental means upon a child by another person     
           Willful harming or injury of the child or the endangering of the person or health of the child     
           Unlawful corporal punishment or injury     
   Willful harming or injuring of a child or the endangering of the person or health of a child        means a situation in which any person willfully causes or permits any child to suffer, or inflicts thereon, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a situation in which his or her person or health is endangered.
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What is the legal definition of child abuse?

 

A:

Here is one example of a legal definition of child abuse (from the State of California):

Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect

To better understand this issue and to view it across States, see the Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect: Summary of State Laws (PDF - 442 KB) publication.

Physical Abuse
Citation: Penal Code §§ 11165.6; 11165.3

Child abuse or neglect includes
:

       Physical injury inflicted by other than accidental means upon a child by another person

       Willful harming or injury of the child or the endangering of the person or health of the child

       Unlawful corporal punishment or injury

Willful harming or injuring of a child or the endangering of the person or health of a child means a situation in which any person willfully causes or permits any child to suffer, or inflicts thereon, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a situation in which his or her person or health is endangered.