In Wayne County, Michigan, a local judge is facing a federal civil rights lawsuit after allegedly humiliating a teen during a courtroom visit. The claimant is a 15-year-old girl who was made to wear a prison uniform and handcuffed after she fell asleep during a courtroom visit
The teenager’s family is seeking accountability from Judge Kenneth King, stating that he crossed the line when he chose to ‘make an example’ of the young girl during a field trip to his courtroom. The event was a part of Green Corps Youth Employment Program’s activities.
The girl’s mother expressed her desire for Judge King to assume responsibility for his actions, stating, “Basically, I just want Judge King to take accountability for the way that he humiliated my daughter.”
The incident occurred in the 36th District Court, where King allegedly tried to make an example of the teen after she’d fallen asleep in his courtroom. “He crossed the line,” were the words of one of the family’s attorneys, James Harrington. This statement served to emphasize the seriousness of the claims, which include malicious prosecution, unlawful arrest, intentional infliction of emotional distress, vicarious liability, and four additional counts.
The teen apparently apologized to the judge after the incident, explaining that she had fallen asleep because they, her family, were living in unstable housing conditions.
A video, which captured the courtroom drama, was posted online but has since been removed. The move seemed to coincide with the decision by the 36th District Court to temporarily remove King from his docket for additional training. Furthermore, Wayne State University, where King served as an adjunct professor, decided that he would no longer be performing that role due to the incident.
The mother wishes for a public apology from Judge King and believes he owes her more than just an apology. As of now, a response from King is still awaited. The girl is said to be so traumatized by the incident, she can’t leave her home or speak to anyone outside her family.
