Detroit Family Files Lawsuit Against Judge for Detaining Teen During Field Trip

The family of a 15-year-old Detroit teenager has initiated legal action against a local judge. The basis of the lawsuit is an alleged violation of the teen’s Fourth Amendment rights during a school field trip to a court.

The Incident

The teenager, Eva Goodman, was reportedly scolded and detained by Judge Kenneth King during a visit to his courtroom during a school field trip. She was reprimanded for falling asleep, subjected to a lecture, forced into handcuffs, and made to wear jail clothes. This incident has caused significant distress to Eva and her family.

Impact on the Teenager

“It’s been pretty devastating. Eva doesn’t want to come outside … It’s hard for her to sleep at night. She’s asking me, ‘why did the judge do me like this out of all the kids?'”, Eva’s mother, Latoreya Hill, shared during a press conference. “She’s embarrassed, humiliated, and I can’t blame her.”

The Judge’s Defense

In response to the criticism he received, Judge Kenneth King suggested that he had meant to impart a lesson to Eva about the seriousness of court proceedings and the necessary conduct within a courtroom. He stated that his action wasn’t due to her falling asleep since even attorneys sometimes fall asleep in his court but because of her overall attitude and disposition.

The Lawsuit

The legal action instituted by Eva’s family with Fieger Law accuses Judge King of creating his own version of “Scared Straight”. The lawsuit states that King responded to what he perceived to be a disrespectful teenager, failing to comprehend her vulnerability and the trauma she was reliving during the school visit to his court.

Details revealed in the lawsuit include that Goodman was held in a holding cell for hours, and a fake trial was conducted, involving her classmates as the jury. The family is now seeking damages of $75,000, though the amount could potentially change as the case progresses.

Disciplinary Action Against Judge

As a consequence of the incident, Chief Judge William McConico of the 36th District Court announced that King was temporarily removed from his docket and required to undergo sensitivity and cultural competency training.

The Judge’s Representation and Public Apology

Todd Perkins, who is now representing Judge King, acknowledged that the public might have misconceptions about King’s character and expressed concern for Eva. He stressed the need for the community’s focus to be on the teenager. As for Judge King, Perkins asserted his belief that the judge would be embraced by his community because of all he’s done for them.

Eva’s mother stressed her desire for a public apology from Judge King, and above all, she wants to see her daughter regain her smile.

The Full Lawsuit

For anyone interested in the full details of the lawsuit revolving around this incident, a full version of the document filed is available to the public.