Minnesota lawmakers could end routine shackling of children in court

Public defenders like Sarah Ellsworth grimace as juvenile clients, some as young as 10, are escorted into Minnesota courtrooms while shackled.

"Small steps," Ellsworth often advises, so they don't trip on the irons fastened around their ankles. Some children are so small that when they do find their seats, their legs dangle.

"It breaks my heart," said Ellsworth, managing attorney of the 10th Judicial District's juvenile division. "A lot of these kids are doing stuff we've all done and just didn't get caught for."

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-lawmakers-could-end-routine-shackling-of-children-in-court/600070297/