This book examines corporal punishment in United States public schools. The practice¿which is still legal in nineteen states¿affects approximately a quarter million children each year. Justification for the use of physical punishment is often based on religious texts. Rather than simply disregarding the importance of religious commitment, this volume presents an alternative faith-based response. The book suggests the ¿hermeneutical triad,¿ of sacred text, tradition, and reason as an acceptable approach for those seeking to be faithful to religious text and tradition. 

Jane Hall Fitz-Gibbon was Visiting Scholar with the Center for Development of Human Services, Buffalo State College, USA. She works in crisis support with TST BOCES, and is involved with the Department of Social Services, co-leading courses on foster care, adoption, and child sexual abuse. She is the author, co-author, or editor of six books.

1. Corporal Punishment in Public Schools: What are the Issues?.- 2. Data and Legal Issues.- 3. Religion, Education Pioneers, and Corporal Punishment.- 4. Corporal Punishment and the use of Sacred Texts.- 5. The Theological Tradition of Nonviolence.- 6. The Ethical Position of No Harm.