Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
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The Constitutional Court found that moderate and reasonable chastisement by a parent, as a defence to a charge of assault, was unconstitutional. Spanking is now considered assault under the law. (Graphic: John McCann/M&G)
ARTHUR CHASKALSON

The Constitutional Court’s spanking judgment does not pander to public opinion

"We have a painful and shameful history of widespread and institutionalised violence."

  • Franny Rabkin
6 min read