Depending on the severity of the "crime". But whatever it is, there needs to be a routine to it. I.E. 1st offense is a lecture as to why what they did is wrong, 2nd offense corner, 3rd is grounding and fourth is spanking.

First, there is no such thing as a "GOOD" spanking. All spankings are wrong and bad, because they teach a child to BE VIOLENT, or to solve their problems with physical force. That's why so many men are abusive to their wives and kids, or are locked up in prisons; they were TAUGHT to be violent to others, via spankings, whippings, slappings and beatings. So, forget about spankings. As comedian Red Buttons said, in a rare moment of being serious, "Never spank a person who will eventually choose your nursing home." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Buttons The way to get a child to obey, is to tell him or her that a prized possession (or desired activity) will be temporarily eliminated, if compliance is not forthcoming. For example, a toy or pet can be denied the child, or an upcoming event (movie, birthday party, etc.) can suddenly be eliminated from the calendar. My mother never used any violence on me at all. She just went upstairs to my bedroom, unplugged both my telephone and TV set, and walked out of the room with BOTH of them, for an entire week. Today, all you have to do is take away a kid's cell phone, CPU or credit cards, and you have them at your mercy, without any physical assaults, whatsoever. +5

five minutes in a chair and loss of one priveledge...television, internet, going out doors, ... just for an hour. dont send them to their room, that is where they can have fun. instead keep them near you and talk to them about their attitude.

I've found that punishment is most effective. I don't think there's anything wrong with spanking, if it's done correctly, however, I haven't seen that it does much to stop the behavior. Find what they love and take it away as punishment, of course you do need to talk to them, hence the lecture but then a punishment.

try taking something away from them, a toy or something. or if the kid is old enough try taking away their car keys for a while.