In 1998 the Canadian Foundation for Children, Youth and the Law launched a constitutional challenge to the criminal defence to assault given to parents and teachers to permit their use of corporal punishment on children.  In 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed the constitutionality of the section but limited its application.  JFCY continues to advocate for public education and legislative reform to eliminate the use of physical punishment on children.

• LITIGATION SUMMARY
   
• OUR LEGAL ARGUMENT AT THE SUPREME COURT
  Click here for the PDF file of the factum
  Click here for the Word file of the factum
   
• DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA
   
• RESOURCES AND RESEARCH

Joint Statement
On September 4, 2003, we joined a list of over 70 Canadian organizations endorsing a principled statement against the use of physical punishment on children and calling for legislative reform.  The statement also summarizes the latest social science research on the effects of corporal punishment on children.  That 49 page pdf statement can be found at this address: www.cheo.on.ca/english/pdf/joint_statement_e.pdf

Majority of Canadians Support Repeal

A Decima poll conducted on behalf of Toronto Public Health found that a majority of Canadians surveyed supported the repeal of section 43 of the Criminal Code.  You can view the results of this poll at www.toronto.ca/health/ssl_backgrounder.htm

Links to other sites

Repeal 43 Committee: An organization which advocates for the repeal of section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada.  This site contains useful information about the issue in Canada and globally. www.repeal43.org

Global Initiative to End the Physical Punishment of Children: Launched in April 2001, the Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children aims to speed the end of corporal punishment of children across the world. www.endcorporalpunishment.org