i'm doing an assignment that is very similar to the case of murdock vs. richards. (when a student was behaving inappropriately and the teacher grabbed the student and was then brutally attacked by the student) what legal issues (statute and/or common law) would begin to arise?

Answer 1

The teacher might be considered at fault for touching, much less, grabbing the student.

Could the teacher have handled this student in a more professional way?

Answer 2

okay.
and what law specifically would that be tied with?

Answer 3

Child abuse? Cruelty? Local school board and state policies governing teacher-student contact?

This site may help you.

http://www.enotes.com/everyday-law-encyclopedia/teachers-rights#teacher-freedoms-rights