Detroit, MI — A field trip intended to educate students about the judicial system took an unexpected turn when a Detroit judge allegedly chastised and temporarily handcuffed a 16-year-old girl for falling asleep in his courtroom. The incident, which occurred in the 36th District Court, has sparked widespread criticism and concerns over the appropriateness of the judge’s actions.
Judge Kenneth King, who has served on the bench since 2006, reportedly initiated an impromptu hearing for the teenager citing her “attitude” and inattentiveness. During the proceedings, which were streamed on the court’s YouTube channel, King is said to have threatened the girl with jail time, stating, “You fall asleep in my courtroom one more time I’m going to put you in the back,” and underscored, “I am not to be played with.”
The judge later questioned the need for her incarceration as a disciplinary measure and even asked her peers to vote by show of hands on whether she should be jailed. Ultimately, the girl was released and allowed to go home.
The handling of the situation has been met with sharp criticism from the Detroit nonprofit that organized the field trip. The group expressed that while the judge might have aimed to instill respect for the courtroom, his methods were considered “unacceptable” by many. Instead, they suggested that a simple request for the students to leave the courtroom would have sufficed if the judge found their behavior disrespectful.
Marissa Ebersole Wood, chairperson of The Greening of Detroit, commented on the emotional impact on the student involved, stating, “We have spoken to the student and her parents and the young lady was traumatized.”
In his defense, Judge King conveyed that his intention was not to punish but to serve as a deterrent to prevent similar attitudes towards the courtroom. He remarked, “I was also traumatized by the hearing,” suggesting the event had a profound personal impact on him as well. Following the incident, he reached out to the girl’s family, offering mentorship to help guide her understanding of the legal system’s seriousness.
The incident has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with many calling for King’s removal from the bench, questioning the appropriateness of taking schoolchildren on court field trips rather than more traditional educational outings. Some online commenters argue that such practices highlight issues with the “school-to-prison pipeline,” highlighting a systemic problem rather than isolated misjudgment.
Legal experts and educators alike have raised concerns about the potential long-term impacts of such interactions on youth perception of the legal system. Further, discussions are ongoing about the potential need for policy or training changes that could help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Despite the controversy, King insisted that his approach was aimed at teaching a crucial life lesson about respect and the gravity of legal proceedings. As community members and local authorities continue to weigh in, the dialogue surrounding appropriate conduct and educational methods in judicial settings remains robust and ongoing.