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?

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?

okay.

and what law specifically would that be tied with?

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

When analyzing a hypothetical situation similar to the Murdock vs. Richards case, which involved a teacher being attacked by a student after grabbing them, several legal issues may arise. It's important to note that laws and legal precedents vary depending on the jurisdiction, so it's essential to consult relevant statutes and case law specific to your area.

Here are some common legal issues that may arise in such a situation:

1. Assault and Battery: The actions of the student attacking the teacher may potentially lead to criminal charges of assault and battery. Assault refers to the intentional act of causing apprehension of harmful or offensive contact, while battery involves the actual harmful or offensive physical contact.

2. Self-Defense: The student may argue that they were acting in self-defense if they believed they were in immediate danger of harm when the teacher grabbed them. Self-defense laws vary, but generally, individuals have the right to use reasonable force to protect themselves from harm.

3. Excessive Use of Force: The teacher's actions in grabbing the student could potentially lead to scrutiny regarding the use of excessive force or unnecessary physical contact. This may be evaluated based on whether the teacher's actions were reasonable under the circumstances.

4. Duty of Care: The teacher may assert that they were acting within the scope of their duty of care towards the students. However, this could lead to discussions around whether the teacher's actions were appropriate and whether they had a legal justification for physical contact.

To determine the specific statutes and case law that would be relevant to your assignment, you should consult local laws and jurisprudence. It would be beneficial to examine assault and battery statutes, self-defense laws, and relevant case precedents involving similar circumstances in your jurisdiction. Additionally, consulting legal textbooks, scholarly articles, or seeking legal advice from a qualified professional can enhance your understanding of the specific legal issues at play.