DETROIT — A Detroit judge who was temporarily removed after ordering a teenager into jail clothes and handcuffs during a field trip is back on the bench but assigned to speeding tickets and other relatively minor offenses.
Judge Kenneth King lost courtroom duties in August and was ordered into social-emotional training by the chief judge at 36th District Court. Instead of handling key hearings in major felonies, he returned this week to the court’s traffic division.
“We appreciate his efforts in preparing for this role, and wish him success as he transitions into this new responsibility,” Judge William McConico said in a written statement.
A message seeking comment from a lawyer representing King was not immediately returned Thursday.
King got in trouble for singling out a 15-year-old girl for falling asleep and having what he considered to be a bad attitude while she was visiting his courtroom with other teens.
He ordered Eva Goodman into jail clothes and handcuffs — all while the field trip was on a livestream video. King also threatened her in front of her peers with juvenile detention before releasing her.
The girl’s mother, Latoreya Till, said she may have been tired because they don’t have a permanent address.
Till has filed a lawsuit, seeking more than $75,000 for “inflicting fear and severe emotional distress.”
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A recent incident involving a judge being demoted to issuing speeding tickets has sparked controversy and debate over the appropriate use of authority in schools. The incident occurred during a field trip when the judge placed a teenage student in handcuffs for what was deemed as inappropriate behavior.
The incident has raised questions about the role of judges in school settings and the appropriate response to student misbehavior. Many are questioning whether the judge’s actions were justified or if they were an abuse of power.
Some argue that the judge’s decision to place the student in handcuffs was excessive and unnecessary. They believe that there are more effective ways to address student misbehavior, such as counseling or detention, rather than resorting to physical restraints.
Others argue that the judge was simply trying to maintain order and discipline during the field trip. They believe that the student’s behavior warranted a more severe response in order to prevent further disruptions and ensure the safety of the other students.
Regardless of the differing opinions, the incident has led to the judge being demoted to issuing speeding tickets, a punishment that has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe that the demotion is a fair consequence for the judge’s actions, while others argue that it is too harsh of a punishment.
Overall, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism and appropriate conduct when in positions of authority, especially in school settings where the well-being and safety of students should always be the top priority. It also highlights the need for clear guidelines and protocols for handling student misbehavior in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
