Ministers have come under increased pressure to ban the smacking of children after Scotland‘s solicitors’ body supported a law change, saying physical chastisement was “both ineffective and out of step” with any understanding of children’s and human rights.
The Law Society of Scotland said that proposals to bar parents from striking children, which is unlawful in 52 countries around the world, would bring Scotland into line with its obligations under international law.
The Law Society was responding to a consultation on smacking, ahead of a proposed member’s bill in the Scottish Parliament which aims to give children the same protection from assault as currently enjoyed by the rest of society.
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