On Friday, August 16, 2024, NBC News reported that Detroit Judge Kenneth King has been removed from his docket duties following an incident involving a teenage girl during a courtroom field trip.

According to the reports, 15-year-old Latoreya Till and her classmates were part of a summer field trip organized by Greening of Detroit, a local nonprofit, to observe legal proceedings at the 36th District Court in Detroit. However, during the visit on Tuesday, Judge King took issue with Till falling asleep in the courtroom and proceeded to handcuff and dress her in jail attire in front of her peers as a disciplinary measure.

Colleen Robar of Greening of Detroit stated that King’s actions towards the teenage girl were unacceptable and that sleeping should not have resulted in such harsh punishment. If King took issue with the behavior of students, Robar noted he should have simply asked them to leave rather than publicly shame Till. The teen was said to be deeply distressed and traumatized by the events.

Following a probe into the incident, Chief Judge William McConico announced on Thursday that Judge King had been removed from his docket and required additional training. In a statement, McConico stressed the 36th District Court’s commitment to ensuring access to justice in a respectful environment, noting King’s actions did not align with these values. Judge Aliyah Sabree also acknowledged the concerning nature of the previous day’s events.

Judge King defended his decision by stating his goal was to teach Till the seriousness of being in court, though he admitted such a response was unusual. However, Till’s mother Latoreya felt King’s actions only intended to prove a point and make an example of her daughter before her peers. She said the teen has struggled with sleep and eating since.

With King removed from his duties, the Greening of Detroit expressed encouragement in the court’s handling of the matter. However, Latoreya Till noted the incident serves as an important lesson for King on properly implementing the law with empathy and compassion. Going forward, the 36th District Court aims to ensure educational field trips remain a positive experience for young visitors to the justice system.

 

 

Source: NBC News