The right to dignity and restorative justice in schools
Abstract
A retributive and punitive approach is normally adopted in dealing with misbehaviour
in South African schools. Despite the legal abolition of corporal punishment, more
than 50 percent of schools still administer it. Other forms of punishment generally
applied are also punitive in nature. The right to dignity of all of the parties affected by
misbehaviour in schools is considered in this analysis. The possibility of adopting
restorative justice as an alternative disciplinary approach is examined as a way of
protecting, promoting and restoring the dignity of the victims of such misbehaviour.