In any civil action brought against a public school principal or teacher as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-390 arising or resulting from the use of corporal punishment, upon a determination that the principal or teacher has prevailed and that the plaintiff‘s action was frivolous or without substantial merit, the presiding judge may, in his discretion, allow a reasonable attorney fee to the duly licensed attorney representing the principal or teacher. The attorney’s fee shall be taxed as part of the court costs. (1981, c. 381, s. 1; c. 682, s. 22.)