The History of Fetterers: Understanding the Evolution of Prisoner Restraints

Fetterers are a type of constraint or shackle that were used in the past to restrain or hobble prisoners, especially those who were considered to be dangerous or escape risks. The term "fetter" itself refers to a chain or shackle used to bind or restrict someone's movement.

In the context of criminal justice, fetterers were typically used to prevent prisoners from escaping or causing harm while they were being transported or held in custody. They could take various forms, such as leg irons, handcuffs, or chains that were attached to the prisoner's body or limbs.

Fetterers were commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries, but their use declined in the 20th century as more humane and effective methods of imprisonment were developed. Today, fetterers are no longer used in most countries, and they are largely considered to be a relic of a more brutal and punitive approach to criminal justice.