Court Opinion

ID: 9812199
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-31 22:37:55.176404+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:24:30.108621
License: Public Domain

MEYERS, J.,
filed a dissenting opinion.
I agree with the court of appeals that it was constitutional error for the trial judge to order Appellant to be shackled during his trial. I disagree that this error was harmless. Unlawful and uncalled for shackling has a substantial effect on the jury’s view of the defendant. The fact that a defendant is shackled without cause gives the jury the perception that he is a much more dangerous criminal and may prevent him from receiving a fair trial. Because we cannot determine beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not contribute to Appellant’s conviction or punishment, I would hold that Appellant was harmed by the trial judge’s error and would reverse the court of appeals. Therefore, I respectfully dissent.