DETROIT – A recent incident at a Detroit courtroom has sparked controversy and raised questions about the treatment of a teenager by Judge Kenneth King. The judge, who ordered a teenager into jail clothes and handcuffs during a field trip to his courtroom, is now facing consequences for his actions.
The incident occurred when 15-year-old Eva Goodman fell asleep during a visit organized by a Detroit nonprofit. Judge King deemed her behavior disrespectful and decided to take drastic measures by putting her in jail clothes and handcuffs.
The teenager’s mother, Latoreya Till, expressed her concerns, calling Judge King a “big bully” and highlighting the emotional impact the incident had on her daughter. The family’s living situation, which lacks a permanent residence, was cited as a reason for the teen’s fatigue that day.
In response to the incident, Judge King has been removed from his criminal case docket and will undergo necessary training to address the underlying issues that led to his actions. The court aims to maintain an environment free from intimidation or disrespect.
While the judge’s intentions may have been to teach a lesson of respect, his methods have been deemed unacceptable by many, including The Greening of Detroit, the nonprofit organization that organized the visit. The group’s chairperson, Marissa Ebersole Wood, emphasized that a more appropriate approach could have been taken in handling the situation.
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