I'd like to hear EEE's thoughts on this.  Is this standard procedure? Logic would dictate that people accused of violent acts such as rape, are potentially violent even if not convicted yet, and due to the serious nature of the crime in question, should probably be cuffed at least while being escorted.  They didn't want to "prejudice" the jury?  What does the jury think now???

Nichols was in custody at the time of the shooting, facing rape and other charges. His trial was about to get under way, so he was not shackled as he was brought into court so as not to prejudice the jury.

 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7157845/?GT1=6305

Gene