CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THE USE OF FORCE IN CONTROLLING STUDENT BEHAVIOR

• NCJ Number: 5288
• Author(s): A REITMAN; J FOLLMAN
• Date Published: 1972
• Length: 42 pages
• Sale Source: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Annotation

A REVIEW AND CRITICISM OF THE PRACTICE OF ALLOWING TEACHERS THE RIGHT TO USE FORCE IN MAINTAINING CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE.

Abstract

THE AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION BELIEVES THAT THE USE OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS A MANIFEST DENIAL OF CIVIL LIBERTIES OF STUDENTS, WHICH RAISES QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF STUDENTS AND THE EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. THE UNION BELIEVES THAT THE USE OF SUCH PUNISHMENT ALSO SERIOUSLY INJURES THE MENTAL HEALTH, EDUCATION AND QUALITY OF THE FUTURE CITIZENSHIP OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE. AMONG THE TOPICS DISCUSSED ARE STATE LAWS, RECENT COURT ACTION AND THE SOURCES OF PUBLIC ATTITUDES FAVORING CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN THE SCHOOLS. ILLUSTRATIVE CASE REPORTS BY PARENTS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ARE INCLUDED.