Detroit Judge Sparks Outcry Over Treatment of Teen in Courtroom

A Detroit judge’s attempt to teach a lesson in courtroom etiquette backfires, sparking outrage and debate over judicial conduct.

At a Glance

Judge Kenneth King handcuffed and dressed a 16-year-old girl in jail uniform during a field trip
The incident occurred after the student allegedly fell asleep and showed disrespect
Legal experts and the field trip organizers have criticized the judge’s actions
The event has raised questions about appropriate methods for teaching courtroom respect
Judge King defended his approach as a “Scared Straight” tactic

Courtroom Drama Unfolds During Student Field Trip

A routine field trip to Detroit’s 36th District Court took an unexpected turn when Judge Kenneth King decided to teach a 16-year-old girl a lesson in courtroom decorum. The incident, which was captured on video via Zoom, has since ignited a firestorm of controversy and debate over the appropriate use of judicial authority, especially when dealing with minors.

According to reports, the situation escalated when Judge King noticed the student falling asleep during court proceedings. He initially warned her, stating, “You fall asleep in my courtroom one more time, I’m putting you in the back, understood?” However, the judge’s patience wore thin when he perceived the girl’s attitude as disrespectful.

A Detroit nonprofit hosted a field trip at the 36th District Court, when a sleeping teenager during the visit ended up in a jail uniform, handcuffs and in front of a judge because of her “attitude” inside his courtroom. https://t.co/YBTpV1rYHm

— WXYZ Detroit (@wxyzdetroit) August 14, 2024

Judge’s Actions Spark Outrage

In response to the perceived disrespect, Judge King took drastic measures. He ordered the girl to be handcuffed and dressed in a jail uniform, effectively turning the educational field trip into what he later described as his “own version of ‘Scared Straight’.” The judge’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and the non-profit organization, Greening of Detroit, which organized the field trip.

“Just totally inappropriate. There were so many other ways in which to have helped that young girl learn,” said Larry Dubin, former attorney and now-law professor at University of Detroit Mercy.

The Greening of Detroit has stated that the girl was traumatized by the judge’s actions, calling his methods unacceptable. This incident has raised important questions about the ethical use of judicial power, especially when dealing with young people who are still learning about the legal system.

Judge Defends His Approach

Despite the backlash, Judge King has defended his actions, comparing them to a “Scared Straight” approach to emphasize the seriousness of courtroom behavior. He explained his rationale, stating, “It wasn’t so much, in fact, that she had fallen asleep because I have attorneys that fall asleep sometimes, so that’s not too big of a deal. It was her whole attitude and her whole disposition that disturbed me.”

“I wanted this to look and feel very real to her, even though there’s probably no real chance of me putting her in jail. That was my own version of ‘Scared Straight,'” King said, referring to a documentary about teen offenders in New Jersey.

Detroit judge puts teen in jail scrubs, handcuffs for snoozing in court during field trip https://t.co/bC66Jj8H5r

— The Detroit News (@detroitnews) August 15, 2024

However, Judge Aliyah Sabree, who holds a leadership role at the court, has distanced the institution from King’s actions, stating that his conduct does not reflect the court’s standards. She has committed to addressing the matter, suggesting potential repercussions for Judge King’s controversial decision.

Implications for Future Educational Visits

This incident has sparked a broader debate about how the justice system should interact with young people, especially in educational settings. While there’s a clear need to teach respect for the courtroom and legal processes, many are questioning whether such punitive measures are appropriate or effective.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this event will impact future educational field trips to courtrooms and interactions between the justice system and young people. For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining courtroom decorum and fostering positive educational experiences for students.