April 3, 2015 Juvenile Shackling Policy Changes

Councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie and David Grosso, and Attorney General Karl Racine held a press conference today to announce a court order to reform juvenile shackling policy.  "The shackling of juvenile respondents should be a last resort based on a clear and supportable security concern . " according to Attorney General Racine.  Presently all youthful offenders, including those with nonviolent offenses, are shackled.  The Superior Court of the District of Columbia Administrative Order 15-07 was signed by the Chief Judge Lee F Satterfield today.

 Council Member Kenyan McDuffie, Council Member David Grosso, Attorney General Karl Racine

 Council Member David Grosso, Council Member Kenyan McDuffie, and Attorney General Karl Racine.

    Attorney General Karl Racine speaks at a press conference about shackling of youth in the courtroom, while Council Members David Grosso and Kenyan McDuffie confer behind his back Friday April 3, 2015.  /Photo by Nancy Shia 

 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie takes a question at a press conference about shackling of youth in the courtroom Friday April 3, 2015.  /Photo by Nancy Shia      

                Attorney General Karl Racine makes a point during at a press conference about shackling of youth in the courtroom Friday April 3, 2015.  /Photo by Nancy Shia  

    Council Member David Grosso speaks passionately about justice for our youth at a press conference about shackling of youth in the courtroom Friday April 3, 2015.  /Photo by Nancy Shia