Teen Dozes Off on Court Field Trip, Ends Up in Cuffs and Jail Clothes

DETROIT — A teenager visiting a Detroit court as part of a field trip found herself in an unexpected and distressing situation. She was put in jail clothes and handcuffed by Judge Kenneth King, who expressed displeasure with her attitude during the visit.

On the day of the incident, the 16-year-old girl was part of a group organized by The Greening of Detroit, a nonprofit focused on environmental education. During the court proceedings, Judge King noticed her appearing disinterested and falling asleep.

In a video of the courtroom, King warned her, saying, “You fall asleep in my courtroom one more time, I’m gonna put you in back, understood?” It was a clear sign that his patience was running thin.

Reflecting on his decision afterward, King stated, “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.’” This comment tied his actions to a well-known documentary aimed at deterring youth from criminal behavior.

Following his warning, King ordered the girl to change into jail attire and even initiated the process of putting her in handcuffs. He explained that he found her demeanor problematic and wanted to illustrate the seriousness of courtroom conduct.

“It was her whole attitude and her whole disposition that disturbed me,” King mentioned, emphasizing that he wanted to make the experience impactful for her. “I wanted to get through to her, show how serious this is and how you are to conduct yourself inside of a courtroom.”

Before ultimately releasing the teenager, Judge King also referenced the possibility of her facing juvenile detention, which added to the gravity of the situation from her perspective.

His methods, however, have drawn criticism. The Greening of Detroit released a statement indicating that the young girl was traumatized by the experience. Chairperson Marissa Ebersole Wood commented, “Although the judge was trying to teach a lesson of respect, his methods were unacceptable. The group of students should have been simply asked to leave the courtroom if he thought they were disrespectful.”

There has been no immediate response from Judge King regarding further inquiries into his actions. The court’s chief judge, William McConico, was not available for comment following the incident. Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter.

Larry Dubin, a professor at the University of Detroit Mercy law school, stated, “There were so many other ways in which to have helped that young girl learn.” His comments were indicative of a broader sentiment that alternative, less severe approaches could have been taken to educate the student about courtroom decorum.

In the aftermath, Judge King did reach out to the girl’s parents, expressing a willingness to mentor her. His offer raises questions about his intentions and whether he genuinely wants to ensure that her court visit serves as a learning experience.

This incident highlights the challenges and responsibilities faced by judges in maintaining order within their courtrooms while also addressing the needs of young individuals who may not fully understand the implications of their behavior. Many believe that there is a fine line between discipline and intimidation, and this situation underlines the importance of approaching youth education with care.

The story serves as a reminder of the necessity for judicial figures to balance their authority with empathy, especially when interacting with impressionable young people who are still developing their understanding of the law and societal expectations.