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.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
