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Cannabis smoking student’s suspension and expulsion upheld…
The High Court has refused a judicial review application by a student found smoking cannabis.
The student was in school uniform and it was during school time, but he was not on the school grounds.
The Court held that the process followed for the suspension was fair. The allegations had been clearly put to the student and his parent, and they had the opportunity to give their version of events and comment on the student’s background, and what punishment they thought was appropriate.
The Court held that there was no pre-determination of the suspension by the Principal and making the decision to suspend at the end of the meeting was acceptable as the head of a very large school was used to acting promptly and decisively in disciplinary matters.
The decision to expel also followed a fair process and was not predetermined, despite one of the Trustees who made the decision being known as wishing to maintain traditions and strict discipline.