PHOENIX (AP) - A one-time inmate of a metro Phoenix jail has appealed the dismissal of her claims that her rights were violated when officers restrained her before and after she gave birth to her son at a hospital.
A judge ruled last month that Miriam Mendiola-Martinez failed to demonstrate a clear constitutional-rights violation and explained there was no law at the time that would have put Maricopa County on notice that restraining a pregnant inmate was unconstitutional.
The judge concluded Mendiola-Martinez wasn’t restrained while she was in labor at the hospital or while she was delivering her child.
But after giving birth, she was brought to a recovery room and a leg restraint was put on her ankle.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio maintains the restraint policy in his jails was fair and proper.
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