A prolegomenon on restraint of children: Implicating constitutional rights.

News media and advocacy groups have brought to public attention a disturbing number of recent deaths proximal to the use of physical restraints. This paper examines the evidence indicating that use of these procedures can be dangerous to patients; explores the theoretical basis and practical application of restraints; and argues not only that their use may be unethical as a therapeutic intervention, but that it may have constitutional implications.