Shackles are devices used to restrain a person's movement, typically made of metal. They consist of a pair of linked cuffs that are fastened around the wrists or ankles. Historically, shackles were often used in prisons or during the transportation of prisoners, as well as in the context of slavery, where they were used to limit the freedom of enslaved individuals. In modern times, shackles are still used in some correctional facilities and law enforcement situations. They serve as a means of security to prevent escape or harm to others. The use of shackles raises ethical questions about human rights and the treatment of individuals in custody, particularly regarding their impact on mental and physical well-being.