Teen Handcuffed for Sleeping in Detroit Courtroom: Mother Sues Judge
In a startling event that unfolded in Detroit, a 15-year-old girl at a courtroom for a field trip found herself handcuffed for falling asleep during the proceedings. The incident occurred on August 13 in the 36th District Court courtroom overseen by Judge Kenneth King. Following the incident, the girl’s mother filed a lawsuit against the judge, labeling his actions as inappropriate and reproachable.
The Incident in Detail
During the court proceedings, the teenager fell asleep, causing a stir in the courtroom and attracting the judge’s wrath. When the young girl slipped into slumber the second time around, Judge King took a severe step of handcuffing her, thereby, subjecting her to humiliation in front of her peers. The incident, broadcasted on YouTube as part of court proceedings, garnered widespread coverage and public attention, explains James Harrington, an attorney at Fieger Law Firm who is handling the case.
Public Outrage and Legal Action
“This is a very troubling case and what we had is a member of our bench who succeeded in berating, humiliating, and effectively incarcerating a 15-year-old child,” lamented Harrington at a press conference announcing the lawsuit. The attorney further added, “This was not just reality, but a terrifying ordeal for her. A person in a position of power and trust threatened her with jail time and even went to the extent of placing her in handcuffs.”
The lawsuit, lodged in a federal court in Detroit, accuses Judge King, the security guards present in the courtroom, and two court officers of several charges. The charges, as per the lawsuit, include malicious prosecution, false arrest, unlawful arrest and prosecution, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. The plaintiffs, however, gave no specific estimate for the damages they sought.
The Defendant’s Response
Reacting to the case, Todd Perkins, the attorney for Judge King, refrained from making any specific comments linked to the lawsuit. However, he expressed his belief that King, who he accompanied during law school, has always endeavored to safeguard children. Perkins conveyed that King expressed remorse and apologised if the incident had caused any harm to the young girl. He added that King desires only the best outcomes for all youngsters, who represent our future.
Judge’s Actions Recounted
The 15-year-old girl was a visitor in the courtroom as part of a field trip organised by the nonprofit, The Greening of Detroit. Court was not in session at the time, but Judge King was delivering a guest lecture as part of the vocational training program by the nonprofit.
According to the lawsuit, the judge mocked the justice system, conducting a “fake trial” with her classmates, serving as jurors while simultaneously being his audience. The girl was required to change into the uniforms worn by prisoners in Wayne County after being ordered to be jailed. This was followed by a staged jury of public opinion to decide whether to let her go home to her parents or serve time in juvenile jail.
Mother’s Outrage
The teen’s mother, Latoreya Till, said her daughter has experienced severe humiliation and emotional distress following the incident. Till expressed her disbelief and shock over Judge King’s actions and yearns for justice for her daughter. Her daughter now fears going out or engaging with anyone outside their family, she conveyed.
The Legal Standpoint
Harrington strongly expressed that Judge King’s actions do not warrant any immunity. He pointed out that immunity applies only when a judge is presiding over a court proceeding, not otherwise. King’s actions, Harrington stressed, were extracurricular and not part of a court proceeding. The implications following this action remain to be seen in the coming days.
