Controversy in Detroit Courtroom: Judge Faces Backlash for Handcuffing Teenager on Field Trip

A recent incident at a Detroit courtroom has sparked outrage as a judge ordered a teenage girl to wear jail clothes and handcuffs during a field trip. The girl, identified as Eva Goodman, fell asleep in Judge Kenneth King’s court while on a visit organized by a Detroit nonprofit.

According to the girl’s mother, Latoreya Till, Judge King’s actions were seen as unnecessary and intimidating. Till expressed her concerns to the media, labeling the judge as a “big bully” and stating that her daughter felt scared and hurt by the incident.

While Judge King defended his actions by claiming he wanted the experience to feel real to the teenager, court officials have taken notice of the controversy. The chief judge at 36th District Court, William McConico, announced that Judge King would be temporarily removed from his criminal case docket to undergo necessary training to address the underlying issues that led to the incident.

Despite the temporary removal, Judge King will continue to be paid, and details about the training program were not disclosed. The State Court Administrative Office approved this step in response to the public backlash following the incident.

The courtroom visit was part of a program organized by The Greening of Detroit, an environmental group. Marissa Ebersole Wood, the group’s chairperson, condemned Judge King’s actions, stating that while teaching respect is important, the methods used were unacceptable. She suggested that the students could have been asked to leave the courtroom if their behavior was deemed disrespectful.

This incident has raised questions about the role of judges in introducing young people to the legal system and how best to educate them on courtroom etiquette without crossing the line into intimidation or disrespect. The controversy surrounding Judge King serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors to the court.