A new rule issued by Illinois Supreme Court will keep teens out of shackles. Advocates are lauding that decision. Vice chair of the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission, Lisa Jacobs says youth are particularly vulnerable to trauma.
“The research, and frankly common sense, tells us that it's problematic to shackle youth. To confine them: To use handcuffs, or leg irons, or belly chains - unless that's absolutely necessary. So we know that's harmful for youth, we know that has an effect on the court process."
Shackling in juvenile courts isn't forbidden. But the new rule discourages it in Illinois courtrooms, unless there's a safety risk. Illinois joins nearly half of the U.S. in curbing the practice.
