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Reece's three-year push to restrict juvenile shackling pays off with new Supreme Court

Says legislature should have acted to protect Ohio youth in justice system
March 29, 2016
Democratic Newsroom

Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) President and State Rep. Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) today responded to news that the Ohio Supreme Court adopted new restrictions on juvenile shackling. The Cincinnati lawmaker has called for an end to juvenile shackling since 2013, introducing two bills to restrict the practice.      

“I am pleased that the Supreme Court has heeded the OLBC’s call to end the inappropriate practice of shackling Ohio children in the courtroom,” said Reece. “While it is unfortunate that the legislature dropped the ball by failing to protect the rights of our youth in the criminal justice system, this new rule to prohibit the automatic and indiscriminate shackling of children in the courtroom is a positive step in right direction toward comprehensive justice reform.” 

Reece has long been a proponent of restricting juvenile shackling in Ohio. Just last month, the Cincinnati lawmaker provided sponsor testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on House Bill 363, legislation to curb the use of handcuffs and restraints on Ohio youth during court proceedings. This is the second consecutive General Assembly that Rep. Reece has introduced such legislation.