Barney McNeany has brought the case over child smacking

Leave was granted for a judicial review of new laws which make it illegal for a parent/guardian to hit a child only if it results in lasting harm or marks.

The case was brought by Barry McNeany, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People.

He said the legislation did not go far enough to protect children.

"We hope now that the judicial review will be successful and will be presenting our arguments forcefully that government was wrong to introduce legislation that potentially could still allow children to be hit," Mr McNeaney said.

However, Mary Russell from the Family Education Trust criticised the case.

"What we're talking about is can parents be entrusted to smack?" Mrs Russell said.

"What these children's rights people are saying is no they can't."

The judicial review is being supported by the Children's Law Centre, the Parents Advice Centre and the Save the Children Fund.

They were granted leave to make written submissions to allow them to intervene during the hearing which has been adjourned until 24 November.