A restraint chair is a type of physical restraint that is used to force an individual to remain seated in one place to prevent injury and harm to themselves or others.[1] They are commonly used in prisons for violent inmates and hospitals for out of control patients. However, they have also been used to restrain prisoners at Guantanamo Bay detention camp during force-feeding.
In the United States, the use of these chairs is controversial because a number of deaths and injuries from prolonged periods have been reported. There have been numerous cases of financial settlements, as well as personal lawsuits and at least one class action suit.[2]
In Australia, the mere use of restraint chairs has sparked opposition.[3]
- ^ "The Restraint Chair: Safe and Humane?". Prison Legal News.
- ^ Estep, Tyler (30 August 2013). "Class action suit challenging 'restraint chair' use at jail".
- ^ Davidson, Helen (26 July 2016). "The story of the chair: how a brutal device was brought into Australia's youth jails". The Guardian.