I'm assuming that "smacking" is like spanking?? I would NEVER *smack* a child by the common definition (hand across the face), but I am not against spanking in principle. In VERY rare cases when the child is old enough to understand the punishment and all else has failed, a swat across the backside with a bare hand may be called for. I know that I earned a spanking or two in my youth I'll tell you what, that got my attention REAL fast!!

I should also add that I think using any instrument to apply the spanking is cruel and unusual. There is a big difference between a spank with an open palm and a spank with a paddle or belt. I would NEVER touch my child with a belt or paddle or anything besides an open hand as a form of punishment...

As far as the law goes, it's unfortunate that some people DO get out of control, but it does happen so the law isn't crazy. This is yet another reason that parents should have psych evals before they have kids

If EVERYONE was trustworthy, we wouldn't need laws against stealing... If ALL parents were responsible, we wouldn't even think of laws against a form of punishment for children.