What is the current state of the law on in-court restraints?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Moore, E070130 (Cal. App. 2019):

"In general, the 'court has broad power to maintain courtroom security and orderly proceedings' [citation], and its decisions on these matters are reviewed for abuse of discretion." (People v. Lomax (2010) 49 Cal.4th 530, 558.) Under the "manifest need" standard, however, "the trial court's discretion is relatively narrow." (People v. Cox (1991) 53 Cal.3d 618, 651, disapproved on another ground in People v. Doolin (2009) 45 Cal.4th 390.) "The imposition of restraints without evidence in the record establishing a threat of violence, escape, or nonconforming conduct is an abuse of discretion." (People v. Gamache (2010) 48 Cal.4th 347, 367-368; see also Duran, supra, 16 Cal.3d at p. 291 ["[t]he showing of nonconforming behavior in support of the court's determination to impose physical restraints must appear as a matter of record . . . ."].) Moreover, "the Courts of Appeal have generally read Duran as requiring that a defendant make specific threats of violence or escape from court or demonstrate unruly conduct in court before in-court restraints are justified." (People v. Valenzuela (1984) 151 Cal.App.3d 180, 192.)

Other Questions


What is the current state of the law on surveillance by the police state? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on unlawful restraint? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on misconduct when a prosecutor makes a closing argument stating facts that are not in evidence? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the federal and state constitutions governing the trial of a criminal defendant who is mentally incompetent? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state's position on whether the First Amendment applies to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment due process clause? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on constitutional restraint? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state or federal or state law on warrantless vehicle searches for identification? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on "cruel and unusual punishments" under the Eighth Amendment of the United States? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on the Miranda rights of a suspect? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on discretion of a trial court in assessing the probative value of evidence in a sexual assault case? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.