Shackling and the Humanity of Others

Can you think of being shackled, handcuffs, waist chains and ankle manacles, while delivering a baby? Anyone who has given birth, indeed anyone with a conscience, would have to feel revulsion at such practice. Yet it is being done—and legally—in 28 states! A law against it was passed in New York State in 2009 but it was recently discovered that despite it the practice often continues, women in delivery are still shackled, and will be until a new law is signed by Governor Cuomo. On the other coast the U.S. 9th Circuit issued an order Continue reading “Shackling and the Humanity of Others”

Rehab vs Punishment

Since both Republicans and Democrats are now making efforts to reform the criminal justice system, it isn’t surprising that several American correctional officers spent five days visiting prisons in Germany and were more than amazed with the differences. One of them, Maurice Chammah wrote daily articles for the Marshall project (www.themarshallproject.org) a non-partisan Continue reading “Rehab vs Punishment”