The recent actions of a Detroit judge have sparked outrage and led to significant repercussions following an incident involving a Black teenager. In a surprising turn of events, Judge Kenneth King, who was previously suspended for his treatment of 15-year-old Eva Goodman, has resumed his duties in a lower court after a controversial incident that led to his temporary removal from the bench. The judge — who was previously in charge of high-profile criminal cases — is now assigned to handle minor offenses such as speeding tickets.
The incident that sparked outrage
In August, during a courtroom session that was being streamed on Zoom, King noticed Goodman dozing off. Instead of addressing the situation with understanding, he ordered her to wear a jail uniform, placed her in handcuffs and threatened to send her to juvenile detention. This harsh treatment was widely criticized as excessive and humiliating, particularly for a teen girl who was merely visiting the court as part of a school field trip.
Immediate aftermath and suspension
Following the incident, King faced public backlash and was temporarily suspended from his duties. He was also mandated to undergo social and emotional training, a move that many saw as insufficient given the severity of his actions. The incident was recorded and later deleted, but not before it caught the attention of local media and the public.
Return to the bench and further consequences
Upon his return to the courtroom, King was met with additional disciplinary action. Chief Judge William McConico announced that King would no longer preside over major crime or felony cases. Instead, he would be relegated to traffic court — a significant demotion in his judicial responsibilities.
Impact on professional life
In addition to his demotion, King was also removed from teaching two courses at Wayne State University for the Fall 2024 semester. This decision reflects the serious nature of the incident and the desire of the university to distance itself from the controversy surrounding the judge.
Legal action from the victim’s family
Eva Goodman’s mother, Latoreya Till, has filed a lawsuit against Judge King, seeking over $75,000 in damages. The lawsuit accuses King of ridiculing and berating her daughter both in front of her peers and during the livestreamed court session. Till has expressed her desire for a public apology from the judge, which has yet to be issued.
Understanding the context
Till has shared that her daughter was exhausted from work and the family’s struggles with finding stable housing, which contributed to her falling asleep in court. This context highlights the challenges faced by many families, particularly within the African American community, where systemic issues often lead to difficult living conditions.
Public reaction and ongoing discussion
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the treatment of Black individuals within the judicial system and how various parts of the legal system treat Black girls. Many advocates are calling for reforms to ensure that such humiliating and disproportionate punishments are not inflicted upon young people, particularly those from marginalized communities.
A call for accountability
As King navigates his new role handling traffic cases, the fallout from his actions continues to reverberate. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability within the judicial system and the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. The community is watching closely, hoping for a resolution that acknowledges the harm done and promotes healing.
In the words of King’s attorney, Todd Perkins, the judge is trying to embrace the concept of teamwork in his new position, according to AP. However, many believe that true teamwork begins with understanding and compassion, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.
