S V Makwanyane

latest news & developments

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