THE bullying case at Teesside County Court raises many questions and provokes many fears.

We have known for years that, as society becomes increasingly litigious, teachers - like doctors - are more likely to find themselves on the receiving end of legal action.

In some ways this is right. If deliberate, and demonstrable, neglect and negligence has a lasting effect on a person's life, they should be able to claim compensation. We can't allow doctors or teachers immunity if they carelessly injure their patients or children.

However, that this case came to court will worry teachers because it shows how vulnerable they are. They should, though, be reassured by the verdict. The judge saw that even though Caroline Newby and Jamie Bright had been bullied, the teachers had done everything they possibly could to prevent it. The case was dismissed, as it should have been: people who have done their best should not be pursued for compensation.

Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the case was that the school governors were also sued.

Many of our public bodies, from schools and hospitals through to economic regeneration quangos, are run by people who are little more than commendable amateurs.

This is good (as well as cheap). School governors are appointed - often dragged - from the local community so that the school reflects the local community.

Governors receive minimal training for giving freely of their time. But now they, too, are under threat from the compensation claimers.

There will be no rush of people to fill the vacancies on school boards following this case. And those that remain may start to ask for renumeration, if only to cover the insurance they may now feel compelled to take out.