I would like to focus on a comment by Nathan Donnelly in the “Corporal Punishment Survey” thread. He was caned for accidentally spraying a can of soft drink on a lady at a bus stop. Nathan says – The punishment was effective however I do not feel that I deserved to be caned for my offence.
I think Nathan’s headmaster fell short by not making the reason for his action clear enough. Nathan should have been left in no doubt that he deserved it. Do other contributors believe Nathan Donnelly deserved to be caned? What facts about the incident would persuade you that it was the right course of action?
Many people have been left resentful of what appeared to be unjust decisions made in a fit of anger rather than an accurate appraisal of the facts. Even if the resulting injury was only superficial, a sense of injustice runs far deeper. That is what makes present day politicians squeamish about corporal punishment.