Attorneys representing a teenager have filed a lawsuit against a Detroit judge for alleged humiliation, false arrest, and unlawful detention. The incident occurred during a field trip to 36th District Court, where the teenager, identified as Eva Goodman, was ordered into jail clothes and handcuffs by Judge Kenneth King.
The lawsuit claims that Judge King's actions were extreme and calculated to inflict fear and severe emotional distress on the 15-year-old. The judge had singled out Goodman for falling asleep and displaying what he deemed to be a bad attitude during the court visit on August 13.
Following the incident, Judge King was relieved of his courtroom duties pending completion of training, which has yet to commence. The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $75,000 for the teenager.
Goodman was part of a field trip organized by The Greening of Detroit, a nonprofit group, when the incident took place. Her mother later explained that Goodman may have been tired due to their lack of a permanent address.
According to the lawsuit, Judge King assumed multiple roles during the incident, acting as a producer, broadcaster, complaining witness, arresting officer, finder of fact, judge, and disciplinarian. The teenager's attorneys have criticized the judge's conduct as inappropriate and excessive.
In a statement to a TV station, Judge King defended his actions, stating that he wanted the experience to feel real to Goodman, despite having no intention of actually sending her to jail. The teenager's mother has described the judge as a 'big bully' in response to the incident.
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the treatment of minors in the legal system and raises questions about the appropriate use of authority in such situations.
