Legal Opinion

In re: M.H.

District of Columbia Court of Appeals

Decided March 6, 2014No. 13-FS-210Published

1Opinion of the Court

FISHER, Associate Judge:

Appellant M.H., a juvenile, was shackled in waist, wrist, and ankle chains during his initial hearing. He asserts that it is unconstitutional to use such restraints in the courtroom without an individualized determination that they are necessary. Because M.H. pled guilty, was sentenced, and has completed his probation, this appeal is now moot as to him. This issue undoubtedly will arise in other cases, but the present record is inadequate to permit a well-founded decision, and we exercise our discretion to dismiss this appeal.

I. Factual Background

On August 21, 2012,…

2Cases cited20 opinions

  1. Gerstein v. PughSupreme Court of the United States · 1975
  2. Mills v. GreenSupreme Court of the United States · 1895
  3. Deck v. MissouriSupreme Court of the United States · 2005
  4. People v. FierroCalifornia Supreme Court · 1991
  5. United States v. EdwardsDistrict of Columbia Court of Appeals · 1981

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