Detroit judge sidelined for making sleepy teen wear jail clothes on court field trip

A Detroit judge has been temporarily removed from the bench after ordering a teenage girl to wear jail clothes and handcuffs during a court field trip. The incident, which has drawn significant criticism, involved 15-year-old Eva Goodman, who fell asleep during a visit to Judge Kenneth King’s courtroom, organized by a Detroit nonprofit.
Details of the Incident:
Eva Goodman, along with other students, was visiting Judge King’s court as part of an educational field trip arranged by The Greening of Detroit, an environmental nonprofit. During the visit, Eva, who had been struggling with sleep due to her family’s unstable living situation, dozed off in the courtroom. Judge King took issue with this and, citing her attitude, decided to make the experience “very real” for her. He ordered Eva to change into jail clothes, placed her in handcuffs, and delivered stern words, although he later clarified that there was no real chance of her being jailed.
The girl’s mother, Latoreya Till, expressed outrage over the judge’s actions, describing him as a “big bully.” She shared that her daughter felt hurt and scared after the incident. Till explained that their family’s lack of a permanent residence had left Eva exhausted, leading to her falling asleep in court.
Judicial Response:
In response to the incident, Judge Kenneth King has been removed from his criminal case docket and will undergo “necessary training” to address the issues that led to his actions. William McConico, the chief judge at the 36th District Court, announced the decision, emphasizing the court’s commitment to providing access to justice in an environment free from intimidation or disrespect. McConico noted that the State Court Administrative Office approved the training, though details about the training’s duration and content were not disclosed. Despite being sidelined, King will continue to receive his salary.
Judge King, who has served on the bench since 2006, did not immediately return calls seeking comment on the matter.
Community and Organizational Reactions:
The Greening of Detroit, the nonprofit that organized the field trip, also expressed disappointment with Judge King’s actions. Marissa Ebersole Wood, the group’s chairperson, criticized the judge’s methods, stating that while he may have intended to teach a lesson about respect, his approach was unacceptable. Wood suggested that if the judge believed the students were being disrespectful, the appropriate response would have been to simply ask them to leave the courtroom.
Conclusion:
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of minors in the judicial system, particularly in educational settings. The decision to place Judge King on temporary leave underscores the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive environment for young people, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds. As Eva Goodman and her family navigate the aftermath of this experience, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents are addressed with the seriousness they deserve, and that judicial training and practices are aligned with principles of dignity and respect for all individuals.