Legal Definitions - manacle

A manacle is a device, typically made of metal, designed to restrain a person's hands or ankles, thereby restricting their movement. It is commonly used by law enforcement or correctional authorities to prevent individuals from escaping, resisting, or causing harm.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of manacles:

• Example 1: Law Enforcement Arrest
  When police officers apprehend a suspect believed to have committed a serious crime, they often apply manacles to the individual's wrists. This ensures the suspect cannot physically resist arrest, assault an officer, or attempt to flee while being transported to the police station for processing.

• Example 2: Prisoner Transport
  A high-security prison might use manacles on both the wrists and ankles of an inmate who is being moved from one facility to another, or even within the same facility for a medical appointment. This measure is taken to maintain strict control over the prisoner, minimizing any risk of escape or aggressive behavior during transit.

• Example 3: Courtroom Security
  In cases involving defendants accused of violent offenses or those deemed a flight risk, security personnel in a courtroom may ensure the individual's ankles are secured with manacles, often concealed beneath clothing. This precaution prevents any sudden movements or attempts to flee during court proceedings, ensuring the safety and order of the courtroom.