To smack or not to smack?

THE right - or not - of a parent to chastise their child is possibly one of the most sensitive subjects when it comes to the issue of how far it is proper for the state and law courts to impinge on personal liberties. In 2003, after much public debate, the Executive stopped short of introducing a complete ban on parents physically chastising their children. This was despite a call for an outright prohibition from the United Nations and from many child-centred organisations in the UK.

At that time, the Executive bowed to the wishes of Scottish parents, a clear majority of whom were in favour of retaining the right to smack young children (according to valid opinion polls taken at the time). This is a position which The Scotsman al...