Judge’s Controversial Actions During Detroit Courthouse Field Trip Spark Outrage

A routine field trip to a Detroit courthouse took a disturbing turn when a Black teenage girl was forced into a jail uniform and handcuffed by Judge Kenneth King. The incident, which was captured on video, has sparked outrage and disbelief among online users and community members.

The Greening of Detroit, a local nonprofit, organized the field trip as part of their summer program for students. During the visit to the 36th District Court, Judge King singled out the 16-year-old girl for appearing to fall asleep in the courtroom. In response, he threatened to send her to a juvenile detention center if she fell asleep again.

The situation escalated when Judge King ordered the girl to change into a jail uniform, be handcuffed, and sit in the detainment area. He even had her peers vote on whether she should be sent to the detention center. While he eventually relented, the damage had been done.

Online users criticized Judge King for his harsh and unnecessary treatment of the teenager, with many questioning his motives and methods. Some argued that his actions only served to reinforce negative attitudes towards the court system.

In response to the backlash, Judge King defended his actions as a teaching lesson, comparing it to the television show “Beyond Scared Straight.” However, the organization that hosted the field trip condemned his conduct as “unacceptable” and stated that the girl was left traumatized by the experience.

The incident has raised important questions about the role of judges in shaping young minds and the need for more compassionate and effective approaches to discipline in the courtroom.