RSA 627:6 Physical Force By Persons With Special Responsibilities

• Library: New Hampshire Statutes
• Edition: 2023
• Currency: Current through 2023 Legislative Session
• Year: 2023
• Citation: RSA 627:6

I.A parent, guardian or other person responsible for the general care and welfare of a minor is justified in using force against such minor when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to prevent or punish such minor's misconduct.

II.

(a) A teacher or person otherwise entrusted with the care or supervision of a minor for special purposes is justified on the premises in using necessary force against any such minor, when the minor creates a disturbance or refuses to leave the premises, or when it is necessary for the maintenance of discipline to prevent injury to self or others.

(b) In a child care program licensed or exempt from licensure under RSA 170-E, necessary force shall be limited to the minimum physical contact necessary to protect the child, other children present, the staff, or the general public from harm.

III.A person responsible for the general care and supervision of an incompetent person is justified in using force for the purpose of safeguarding his welfare, or, when such incompetent person is in an institution for his care and custody, for the maintenance of reasonable discipline in such institution.

IV.The justification extended in paragraphs I, II, and III does not apply to the malicious or reckless use of force that creates a risk of death, serious bodily injury, or substantial pain.

V.A person authorized by law to maintain decorum or safety in a vessel, aircraft, vehicle, train or other carrier, in a hospital or other health care facility, or in a place where others are assembled may use non-deadly force when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes it necessary for such purposes, but [he] the person may use deadly force only when he or she reasonably believes it necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury.