Post by Logan on Jul 2, 2016 4:21:30 GMT -6
Maryland's second-highest court has ruled that youths should not appear shackled in juvenile courtrooms, a decision that cements long-standing efforts to curb the controversial practice.
In a unanimous decision this week, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals issued the first order requiring judges and magistrates to unshackle youths during juvenile court proceedings unless the person poses a security threat.
The issue has been debated for years because the juvenile system is designed to rehabilitate young offenders, and youth advocates argue that indiscriminate shackling further traumatizes a vulnerable population.
The Supreme Court has ruled that, in most cases, shackling adults in court violates their civil rights.
Read more: www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-juvenile-shackling-ruling-20160701-story.html
In a unanimous decision this week, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals issued the first order requiring judges and magistrates to unshackle youths during juvenile court proceedings unless the person poses a security threat.
The issue has been debated for years because the juvenile system is designed to rehabilitate young offenders, and youth advocates argue that indiscriminate shackling further traumatizes a vulnerable population.
The Supreme Court has ruled that, in most cases, shackling adults in court violates their civil rights.
Read more: www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-juvenile-shackling-ruling-20160701-story.html