MD. Judge Uses ElectroShock in Court

Maryland judge Robert Nalley ordered an officer in his courtroom to electroshock a defendant who was standing trial.

Delvon King was defending himself against gun charges on July 23rd. Witnesses say the 25-year-old had made no threatening actions before he was shocked. Parents of the defendant were in court watching the proceedings, and reported on the events to the press.

King, an African-American, was citing previous court precedent when Nalley ordered him to stop.

The defendant stated “principles of common right and common reason are null and void,” just before he received the massive blast of electricity. The shock was delivered from an electrode strapped to his right leg.

King said, “I got shocked, and I was screaming for help. They had no reason to harm me like that. I really didn’t expect for any of that to happen.”

Judges may only attach electrodes to defendants under circumstances where there may present a danger to a court. These provisions are similar to those regulating handcuffs and leg shackles on those appearing before a judge.

David Rocah, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, said electrical shocks are usually reserved for dangerous cases.

“Its use is limited to extreme situations. It’s not proper to use it just because a judge is annoyed with a defendant. It’s not a torture device to make defendants more compliant. It’s not a device for summary punishment.”

Nalley was caught in 2009, deflating a tire on a car parked outside the courthouse where he presides.

This case is fueling discontent among much of the public over abuses of power by law enforcement and possible racial discrimination. On August 9th, African-American Michael Brown was shot to death by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. This set off protests which have occasionally resulted in clashes between demonstrators and police.