Detroit judge removed from schedule after handcuffing teenager for falling asleep during a courtroom field trip

A Detroit judge, Kenneth King, faced consequences after placing a 15-year-old girl in handcuffs for falling asleep during a summer field trip to his courtroom organized by the Greening of Detroit. Judge King made the girl wear handcuffs and a jail uniform, causing her to feel traumatized. The judge claimed it was the girl’s attitude that prompted his actions and said he was trying to teach her a lesson about respect. The incident led to King being removed from his docket following an internal investigation and he will undergo training to address the underlying issues. The girl’s mother expressed her daughter’s distress over the incident, stating that the judge’s actions were inappropriate and lacked sympathy. Chief Judge Pro Tem Aliyah Sabree condemned King’s actions and emphasized the court’s commitment to providing access to justice in a respectful environment. The Greening of Detroit welcomed the decision to remove King from the docket, hoping it will lead to improvements in the treatment of all students visiting the court. The organization emphasized the importance of ensuring disciplinary actions are appropriate and respectful when interacting with minors in a legal setting.

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