A family in Wayne County, Michigan has filed a lawsuit against a judge after a shocking encounter in a courtroom left a teenager humiliated and traumatized.
The incident revolved around a 15-year-old who, participating in The Greening of Detroit’s Green Corps Youth Employment Program, visited the courtroom while on a field trip. The family’s 54-page lawsuit asserts Judge Kenneth King, along with Universal Protection Services and a pair of court officers, acted inappropriately after the teenager dozed off in court.
“Simply put, I need Judge King to answer for how he belittled my child,” declared Latoreya Till, the girl’s mother. The family’s attorneys argue that after the teen fell asleep, the judge attempted to use her as an example.
“He overstepped,” expressed James Harrington, a lawyer from the Fieger Law Firm. Despite the teen’s apology to the judge, the lawyers argue she was subject to an unjust arrest, malicious prosecution, purposeful infliction of emotional distress, and other violations.
Till explained that her daughter was probably exhausted due to their lack of permanent housing. Following the courtroom incident, the teen has been so shaken that she struggles to leave her home or communicate with individuals outside their family.
The lawsuit comes in the aftermath of Judge King’s temporary courtroom removal for further education. He was also dismissed from his role as an adjunct professor at a local university.
“I believe he owes her a direct public apology,” Till mentioned, “Not just that, he ought to give her more than an apology.”
The judge has yet to issue a response or an official statement. A video of the episode was purportedly published online, but has since been taken down.
A crucial aspect of this story is the disruption of trust in authority figures that such actions cause. A judge is a pillar of the community and trusted to serve and protect the rights of all citizens. Actions that ridicule or belittle, particularly the vulnerable, such as this teenager, can have lasting implications.
