Corporal Punishment

Jenna Marlow

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Corporal punishment is the act of using a paddle or spanking to inflict pain as punishment. This form of punishment has been around since the beginning of time and the start of school for children. Forty-five years ago, in the court case of Ingraham v. Wright, corporal punishment was ruled constitutional where each state could create its regulations for this ruling. However, many parents and teachers did not like this. California decided to outlaw this form of punishment in 1986 because it is “informal” and “useless”. After 1986, corporal punishment was not used in most schools, however, this June the Missouri school board voted in favor, allowing it again. The reasoning behind this decision circles back to why it was outlawed in the first place, the parents of this school district wanted it brought back. While physical punishment cannot be acted upon without the consent of a legal guardian, it will still be implemented. Bringing back corporal punishment might work on some students, but most believe the fear of getting it is enough to make the students act correctly. If the response of it being brought back is successful another question is brought into play. Will more schools make the same decision as Missouri? It is too early for the question to be answered, however, nineteen other states can perform corporal punishment in response to bad behavior. These other schools are primarily in the south and southwest, including Tennessee. They do not act upon the form of punishment due to the same ruling California made in 1986. Other states did not go to the same lengths outlawing it, making it easier for implementation. This leaves many people wondering whether this is the right decision or if we are repeating history. Time will reveal these results, but how would you feel if this was implemented in your or your child's school?