 It was noted that, since the jury knew of Deck's conviction, the shackling of Deck would not have shocked the members of the jury.With regard to the shackles biasing the jury, Thomas stated, “shackles may undermine the factfinding process only if seeing a convicted murderer in them is prejudicial.” Thomas believes seeing a convicted murderer in shackles in not prejudicial.Thomas writes, “to presume that such a defendant suffers prejudice by appearing in handcuffs at sentencing does not comport with reality."