Tort Law
Shocking Story Update: 43 Fla. Kids Stunned, 21 Prison Workers Disciplined
Posted May 15, 2009 5:25 PM CST
By Martha Neil
Within little over one day last month, 43 Florida schoolchildren visiting three separate state prisons were reportedly jolted, directly and indirectly, with electronic stun guns during what the Miami Herald describes as "Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day" events gone wrong.
In a fourth situation that same day, an unspecified number of children were exposed to tear gas during another demonstration of security measures intended for use on rebellious prisoners, according to the newspaper article, which relies on information provided today by the Florida Department of Corrections. Three prison employees were fired, two resigned and 16—including one warden—were disciplined over the incidents.
The article says the children not only weren't seriously injured but didn't require medical attention. "In nearly every case, the guards who administered the 'Electronic Immobilization Devices' had permission from parents or grandparents," the Herald writes. It says all of the incidents occurred on April 23.
However, as discussed in an earlier ABAJournal.com post, one parent reportedly sued after his 12-year-old daughter was allegedly jolted with a 50,000-volt stun gun at an April 24 "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work" event. He contended that he did not give his permission and that she did require medical treatment.

Comments
George Patsourakos
May 16, 2009 9:19 AM CST
Prison workers in Florida, who recently jolted Florida schoolchildren with electronic stun guns, should be fired. Prison workers, who exposed children to tear gas at another demonstration, should also be fired. The fact that at least one parent has initiated a lawsuit because his 12-year-old daughter was allegedly jolted—an action that required medical treatment—indicates the severity of the prison workers’ barbaric actions.
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B. McLeod
May 16, 2009 7:27 PM CST
I guess we can thank our lucky stars the CIA does not have a “take your sons and daughters to work day.”
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Jim -
May 17, 2009 3:01 AM CST
Perhaps the parents should have volunteered for a “jolt” before consenting for their children.
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J.D.
May 17, 2009 4:59 PM CST
The Gitmo detainees weren’t subjected to such harsh treatment. So why aren’t liberal activist groups like CNN and MSNBC covering this story?
Answer: They only have a problem when the harsh treatment is aimed at protecting American lives.
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T.R.
May 18, 2009 12:36 PM CST
When my middle class went on a field trip to the local courthouse/jail, the guards took volunteers for stun gun demos. Not a big deal—it got a lot of laughs. I would be more worried that the use of tear gas might trigger an asthma attack or something.
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T.R.
May 18, 2009 12:37 PM CST
“middle school class”
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