Friday, May 8, 2015

Shackled By The Law

Concerns about the use of shackles on juveniles in court first prompted two U.S. lawmakers, Rep. Bruce Morris of Norwalk and Rep. Toni Walker of New Haven, to introduce legislation to limit the use of restraints. Thanks to their perseverance, effective 5 April 2015, an administrative order from Chief Judge Lee F. Satterfield now require individual judges to make case-by-case determinations. If a judge decides restraints are necessary — reasons could include being disruptive or noncompliant or posing a risk — there must be a written finding of fact.

The Washington Post first wrote about the efforts of defense attorneys to have the shackles removed from their clients last year. Court officials and judges have repeatedly fought against removing the shackles, claiming that restraints ensure safety. Routine shackling of youthful offenders has been abandoned by many jurisdictions as unnecessary, demeaning and counter to the juvenile justice system’s aim of rehabilitating, not punishing, youth.

While some say the restraints keep defendants and observers safe in situations that can become tense, opponents pointed out that adult defendants in the same courthouse, even those who have been convicted of violent crimes, can have their restraints removed in court.

Social workers at the detention centers are responsible for screening children for risk of escape or dangerous behavior. “We did not want solely a custodial person — whose frame of reference is security — to make that decision,” but to have the assessment informed by social science, said Stephen Grant, the executive director of court support services for the judicial branch. “We’re very sensitive to not further traumatizing a kid whose life is in chaos. It’s a balance.”

That's the difference between the United States and Singapore.

19 comments:

  1. Is that the only difference between the US and this little red dot? Not only was Amos shackled, he was effective gagged. Now that parts of his police statement are revealed, Amos was a Catholic. He was no impulsive youth who did what he did for just a laugh. He tried to convey the truth about the pathetic state of affairs in this country after much research,much thought, and discussion with friends. His genius, instead of being recognised is demonized with attempts, in the words of his lawyers, as mentally ill, ill-disciplined, and uncontrollable. Shame on those who would wish him harm. If the likes of Bertha Henson have an iota of self-worth, they should apologise for getting vicarious pleasure in seeing him assaulted by that bully and coward, whose identity appear to be shielded from the public. Perhaps those responsible for Amos's trauma should take Khaw's advice to either admit their mistake and apologise or commit hara-kiri?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did Khaw admit his mistake about the ex-columbarium site in Fernvale, apologize and commit seppuku?

      Delete
    2. Over here, we are very sensitive to not further traumatizing a grassroot leader whose life is in chaos after reading the kid's facebook entry on his deceased deity.

      That's the difference between Singapore and the United States.

      Delete
    3. Did Khaw admit his mistake about

      What mistake? He only retold the story of the butterfly lovers. Any mistake is the original author's.

      Delete
  2. Pro pappies supporters bask in the borrowed power. Statistically, I guess six in ten wants Amos dead. Luckily there is still the four in ten who can see the truth.

    ReplyDelete
  3. “We’re very sensitive to not further traumatizing an EMPEROR whose life is in chaos. It’s a balance.”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shackling kids like dangerous criminals, how deplorable can this Administration become? This is the dirty face of politics, a regression to the politics of the Old Fart. They say actions speak louder than words, or silence means consent. There is a deafening silence from the Emperor. All it takes is a phone call to stop all the charade. Does this prove a lie to his claim to have skin that is thick and flameproof?

      Delete
    2. Emperor is too busy programming Matrix code lah.
      And minions are too busy dishing out blue pills.
      Jacky Chan the anti-drug ambassador should be preaching to this blue pill group instead.

      Delete
  4. A nation of hysterical people who would maintain a narrative of hero worship at the costs of ignoring all other forms of social injustice would make an example and scapegoat out of a 17-year old, who in legal terms, is simply a minor. A country's soul is demonstrated by the way it treats its children, according to Nelson Mandela, and it applies to young teenagers and minors too. It looks like Singapore has over-reached itself and shown the rest of the world its true colors beyond the alleged glamor and glitz of shopping malls and casinos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "It looks like Singapore has over-reached itself and shown the rest of the world its true colors beyond the alleged glamor and glitz of shopping malls and casinos. "
      Kevin 5/08/2015 10:32 AM

      Please do not conflate PAP with Singaporeans.
      PAP represents PAPigs and their Alien friends.
      PAP does not equal Singapore or Singaporeans.

      Delete
    2. Since when has the PAP and its supporters not claimed to represent the whole of Singapore, regardless of whether it is the truth or not?

      Delete
  5. The big difference between US and Singapore : Amos would not be going through this hell without sycophantic lynch mob telling the law to do their bidding.

    ReplyDelete
  6. In England, Blackstone wrote if you're (juvenile) indicted for the highest offence,the default was you could not be brought to court in chains or irons, that offended the presumption of innocence and dignity of human beings.

    Over here in Sin, we constantly like to violate these two.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The problem here is as Princess Leia mentioned...the tighter the grip...more will choose to slip or leave the grip...simple....but the ones with the grip are not simple..but self proven idiots and showing it to the world too...zzz

    ReplyDelete
  8. After seeing all this no parent should vote for PAP

    ReplyDelete
  9. Remember reading months back that recidivism rate has increased.

    And once again, there is no behaviorial science or report in this area for juvenile affected by shacking ie public data where a "smart nation" of people can cite and quote. Instead, we need to borrow aplenty of stats from other first world country. Holistic rehab my arse #endshackling

    ReplyDelete
  10. Shackled by the law? I think shackled by the LEE is nearer the truth.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Metaphorically, we all are. How do we throw off the shackles? Perhaps Amos is showing the way. We have to admire him for standing by his beliefs, and his guts for his defiance. The easier alternative is to VTO.

      Delete
  11. Just imagine what if one day your kids are as intelligent and articulate as Amos and yet this ruthless Govt has no qualms in destroy his future just because he laid out the horrible truth that LKY is such a horrible person ?

    Do you want your kids to face the same fate as Amos just because he/she has the guts to criticise the future Govt which is not necessarily PAP ? If your answer is yes, then please go ahead and support them but don't blame anyone else if one day you find out that you have been betrayed by the very Govt which you may have supported all these years.

    It's about time we should be able to tell this Govt enough is enough, so stop all these nonsense practising double standards on almost everything they do!!!

    ReplyDelete