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Robert W. Mason Juvenile Justice Policy Analyst Fourth Judicial Circuit

SHACKLING 16 th Annual Juvenile Defender Leadership Summit Rio Grande, Puerto Rico October 26-28, 2012. Robert W. Mason Juvenile Justice Policy Analyst Fourth Judicial Circuit Chair, Legal Needs of Children Committee. Deck v. Missouri.

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Robert W. Mason Juvenile Justice Policy Analyst Fourth Judicial Circuit

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  1. SHACKLING16th Annual Juvenile Defender Leadership SummitRio Grande, Puerto RicoOctober 26-28, 2012 Robert W. Mason Juvenile Justice Policy Analyst Fourth Judicial Circuit Chair, Legal Needs of Children Committee

  2. Deck v. Missouri • If a convicted double murderer is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he will not appear shackled before the court- shouldn't a child with a nonviolent offense and no history of disruptive court room behavior be entitled to the same protection?

  3. The focus of the rule is on an individualized determination based on manifest need. Deck v. Missouri Photo Credit: usatoday.com • The Rule does not ban or oppose shackling.

  4. Visualization: Detention Hearings • Orange jump suits • Feet shackled together (shuffle) • Hands shackled together • Shackled to belly chain • The oath: • The children cannot even get their right hand to their head level. Photo Credit: islandguardian.com

  5. 985.02 (1)(c) • Legislative intent for the Juvenile Justice System: • To provide a safe and nurturing environment which will preserve a sense of personal dignity and integrity.

  6. Juvenile Justice Key Principles • Individualized assessment • Respect for the dignity of the child and the court • Goal=Rehabilitation

  7. The Juvenile Justice System was created as a separate, distinct rehabilitative alternative to the more punitive, incapacitation-oriented Criminal Justice System. -J.M. (Fla. 2002)

  8. Predetermined/Blanket Policy • Mechanistic approach to a matter that requires individual care and attention.

  9. Juvenile Justice - Special Population • Abused • Mentally ill • Mentally challenged • Other disabilities • All are limited by their childish thinking!

  10. 22 states do not have a regular practice of shackling their youth. -Center for Children and Families UF (2008) 95% of unshackled children are compliant. -Alachua Miami has not had problems. National Movement Photo Credit: usatoday.com

  11. Close vote committee, but… • Board of Governors • 30-0-0 • Governor-elect • Charlie Crist

  12. Shackling Permitted When… • Child is a danger to himself or others or • Founded belief that child is a flight risk

  13. To be brought to the bar without irons, or any manner of shackles or bonds; unless there be evident danger of an escape. -Cited in Deck (1769) Ancient Right Under The Common Law

  14. The rule establishes a procedural framework for Juvenile court Judges to exercise their inherent discretionary authority over courtroom security and also provides flexibility for the court to balance safety and security needs with the individualized needs and rights of children.

  15. Constitutional Right • To a fair hearing • Assistance of counsel

  16. No inquiry into the likelihood of misbehavior or escape No regard to the youth’s age, size and alleged offense Indiscriminate Shackling Photo Credit: earlcarterlaw.com

  17. Ironically, youths we have been direct filed are less likely to be shackled in the Criminal Justice System than in the Juvenile Justice System

  18. Due process Presumption of innocence Shackling violates a child’s right to: Photo Credit: juvenilejusticeblog.web.unc.edu

  19. Shackling interferes with a child’s right to participate in defense of a case Per Deck: Shackling tends to confuse and embarrass the accused’s mental faculties Joelgordon.photoshelter.com

  20. Shackling is… 1. Gratuitously punitive 2. Counter-therapeutic 3. Psychologically harmful

  21. DJJ/DCF Specific Rules • Restraints can be used: • Sparingly • When warranted by specific circumstances

  22. It is generally accepted by medical and mental health professionals that shackling and physical restraints should only be used on children as a last resort. • -American Psychiatric Association

  23. 3 main shackling justifications • Courtroom security (and lack of resources) • Lack of prejudice- no jury • Deterrent to future criminal conduct

  24. Like killing a bug with a hammer Shackling for Security…

  25. You don’t have to change the courtroom. • You change the way you deal with the courtroom

  26. Shackling PhotoCredit: joelgordon.photoshelter.com • No evidence of deterrent effect • Roper– deterrence does not work the same way for teens and adults

  27. Deck vs. Missouri(No shackling penalty phase) • Inevitably implies to fact finder that the accused is dangerous • Can interfere with an accused’s ability to communicate with the lawyer • An affront to the dignity and decorum of Judicial proceedings

  28. ALLEN (ILL 2006) • Even when there is no jury, unnecessary restraint is impermissible. • Hinders the accused’s ability to assist counsel • Runs afoul of the presumption of innocence • Demeans both the accused and the proceedings

  29. “Our youth must never take a second position to institutional convenience and economy.” –FL Supreme Court (Video Detention Rule) Photo Credit: streetgangs.com

  30. “Personalized attention and plans are necessary to properly address the multiple and complex problems facing today’s children.” -FL Supreme Court Video Detention Hearings

  31. Therapeutic Jurisprudence • Promotes secure positive therapeutic outcomes and minimizes negative psychological and behavioral effects of anti-therapeutic legal rules and practices.

  32. Dr. Marty Beyer • Being chained may cause the child to feel dangerous • Undermines a child’s willingness to trust adults in positions of authority • Damages moral identity and development • Undermines the goal of rehabilitation

  33. Contrary to the basic tenants of developmental pediatric practice “Contained beast”- identity formation Emotional/mental/physical harm Dr. Gwen Wurm Photocredit: mlive.com

  34. International Law • Obligation to treat all persons under detention with humanity and respect for their dignity • Obligation to provide children who are detained with all measures of protection required by their status as juveniles • US is a party to International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

  35. Univ. Miami CYLC • Procedural • Blanket policy unconstitutional • Due Process: • Individualized determination • No less restrictive alternative required • Contrary to rehabilitative alms of juvenile justice and anti-therapeutic

  36. “Neither the 14th Amendment nor the Bill of Rights is for adults alone.” -Gault

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