State v. Sedlock

Steven Sedlock's (defendant) fourth-grade son, J.T., had disciplinary problems at school and was sent to the assistant principal's office; after a conference, Sedlock checked J.T. out and, while leaving, kicked him in the buttocks and kneed him in the back, then spanked him again once they reached home. The concerned assistant principal called police, who observed injuries to J.T. and arrested Sedlock. The State of Louisiana (plaintiff) charged him with cruelty to a juvenile, and after a bench trial he was convicted and appealed.