People v. Buchanan

*3OPINION OF THE COURT

We hold that a stun belt may not be used to restrain a defendant in a criminal case without a finding of specific facts justifying the use of such a restraint.

I

Defendant was charged with the murder, by strangulation, of a 14-year-old girl. After jury selection and before opening statements, the trial judge said “it is my policy in cases of this nature, this degree of seriousness, to have the defendant either in leg shackles, which I don’t like to do, or the belt that can deliver a shock should there be a problem.” Addressing defendant directly, the court added: “I do…