Broad Findings of Systemic Negligence and Institutional Abuse

In an article entitled “Broad Findings of Systemic Negligence and Institutional Abuse“, David Rogers and Andrew Yolles discuss a recent trial judgment in which the trial judge found a boarding school to be liable to students for imposing an unreasonable and abusive lifestyle.

The school followed the principles and ideals of a particular sect of the Christian faith. It engaged in very strict discipline, the use of corporal punishment, and tight control over the lives of its students in order to ensure compliance with the school’s values.

However, the parents of the students would have chosen the school with full knowledge of the school’s values and attitudes. Presumably, they did this because they shared those values and attitudes, and wanted them instilled in their children. This was not considered in the decision.