Of course, you’re right there; public policy can’t differ too much from popular sentiment without dictatorship! But I think we can still try to analyse our views about events which are still within living memory for many of us. Indeed, I’d guess that the family event you mentioned has had a major effect on your own views.
A question about the incident that you mention, of direct relevance to the present topic: in your opinion, was that particular punishment administered to your daughter with professional detachment? If not, maybe that — quite rightly — colours your attitude to the matter.