A Detroit judge, Kenneth King, has returned to the bench but now handles traffic violations and minor offenses following his temporary removal. King was taken off his regular courtroom duties in August after a controversial incident during a courtroom field trip, where he ordered a 15-year-old girl, Eva Goodman, into jail clothes and handcuffs. King took this action because he believed the girl had a “bad attitude” and had fallen asleep during the visit, all of which was streamed live online. He also threatened her with juvenile detention in front of her peers before ultimately releasing her.
The chief judge at the 36th District Court, William McConico, ordered King into social-emotional training as a consequence of the incident. Although King is no longer handling significant cases involving major felonies, he has now returned to the court’s traffic division. McConico expressed confidence in King’s ability to adjust to his new role, stating, “We appreciate his efforts in preparing for this role, and wish him success as he transitions into this new responsibility.”
King’s attorney, Todd Perkins, emphasized that the judge is accepting of his new position and willing to work anywhere within the court system. “He truly understands and wholeheartedly embraces the concept of teamwork,” Perkins said in a statement.
The incident drew attention due to the public nature of the live-streamed field trip and the judge’s harsh actions against the teenager. King’s reassignment to the traffic division marks a shift in his judicial responsibilities while allowing him to continue serving the court.
Link: AP News
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