Canada: A Pathfinder in Search of a Path

Abstract

The six papers in this special issue provide a context for understanding the rationale for law reform to fully protect children from corporal punishment. As a Pathfinding Country for the UN Global Partnership to End Violence against Children, Canada has an obligation to remove Section 43 of the Criminal Code, the defence that “justifies” corporal punishment of children. As fellow nations influenced by the English common law underlying that defence, Ireland, Scotland and Wales provide models for Canada.  They demonstrate that the arguments that commonly derail repeal in Canada can be overcome.