Detroit Judge Honorable David M Bradfield of the 36th District Court Under Fire for Handcuffing Teen for Sleeping in Court

In a recent and highly controversial incident at the 36th District Court in Detroit, presided over by Honorable David M Bradfield, a teenage girl was handcuffed and threatened with jail time for falling asleep during court proceedings. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and debate about the treatment of young individuals within the judicial system. The girl’s mother, Latoreya Till, explained that their family is currently experiencing homelessness, which likely contributed to her daughter’s fatigue. The 15-year-old girl, Eva Goodman, attended the court session as part of an educational field trip organized by a local nonprofit, The Greening Project, aimed at teaching students about the judicial process.

The event has left Eva feeling scared and intimidated, with her mother stating that the incident has significantly affected her daughter’s emotional well-being. According to Till, Eva was nervous and felt ostracized by her peers following the incident. The family had arrived late the previous night, and without a permanent address, the instability of their living situation undoubtedly played a role in Eva’s exhaustion. Despite these circumstances, Judge Bradfield’s response was to reprimand and ultimately handcuff the teenager, an action that many have deemed excessively punitive and inappropriate.

During the court session, Judge Bradfield noticed Eva dozing off and promptly yelled at her to wake up. When she fell asleep again, he ordered her to be taken into custody. This marked Eva’s first experience in a courtroom, and she was reportedly unaware of the gravity of her actions or the expected courtroom etiquette. Following her detention, Eva was made to undress and change into a green jail jumpsuit, a humiliating and traumatic experience for any young person. She was given the opportunity to change in an empty room but refused to remove certain clothing items.

Eva was then handcuffed and kept out of the courtroom for two hours before being brought back in front of Judge Bradfield. At this point, the judge berated her for sleeping and threatened her with jail time, a move that has drawn significant criticism from various quarters. Ultimately, Judge Bradfield allowed Eva to leave but not before asking her peers to vote on whether she should spend time in jail, a tactic he later defended as a deterrence measure. However, this method has been widely condemned as unprofessional and damaging to the young girl’s psyche.

The chairperson of The Greening Project criticized Judge Bradfield’s conduct, suggesting that the group of students should have simply been asked to leave the courtroom instead of subjecting Eva to such harsh treatment. This sentiment was echoed by many in the community, who believe that there were far more appropriate ways to handle the situation. The incident has also led to increased security measures at the court following threats directed at Judge Bradfield, further complicating the already tense atmosphere surrounding the case.

Chief Judge William McConico of the 36th District Court has temporarily removed Judge Bradfield from the docket and mandated that he undergo training in cultural competency and sensitivity. This decision underscores the court’s commitment to providing a respectful and intimidation-free environment for all individuals seeking justice. Measures have also been taken to reassure the public of the court’s dedication to serving the community with integrity and fairness. However, the incident has left a lasting impact on Eva and her family, who are still processing the traumatic experience and seeking legal counsel.

Wayne County Commissioner Jonathan Kinloch has called for a public apology from Judge Bradfield, emphasizing that both the community and the teenage girl deserve an acknowledgment of the wrongdoing. Despite the widespread condemnation, Judge Bradfield has yet to issue a public apology, further fueling the controversy. The incident has also highlighted the broader issue of unstable housing and its impact on children’s lives, with Eva’s mother tearfully questioning why the judge would talk about her daughter going home to her own bed when they don’t currently have a permanent home.

Critics argue that Judge Bradfield’s actions were not only excessively punitive but also failed to consider the underlying issues affecting Eva’s behavior. Many believe that there were better ways to handle the situation, such as offering guidance and support rather than resorting to handcuffs and jail clothes. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of young people in the judicial system and the need for more compassionate and understanding approaches.

The fallout from the incident has been significant, with death threats being directed at Judge Bradfield and the Detroit Police Department taking these threats seriously. Wayne State University, where Judge Bradfield has taught in the past, has reassigned his courses to other instructors, reflecting the widespread disapproval of his actions. The 36th District Court, known as the ‘people’s court,’ is now under scrutiny as it seeks to maintain its reputation while addressing the issues raised by this incident.

Judge McConico has expressed regret that Eva had such a negative experience at the court and hopes to meet with her and her family to show them a different side of the judicial system. The court’s judges will also receive sensitivity and cultural competency training to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. A mini-retreat is being planned for the judges to discuss the issue and hear from outside speakers, with the aim of fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment within the court.

The incident has also brought attention to the broader issue of how young people are treated within the judicial system. Many advocates are calling for reforms to ensure that minors are treated with the care and respect they deserve, particularly in light of their unique vulnerabilities and the challenges they may face. The case of Eva Goodman serves as a stark reminder of the need for a more compassionate approach to justice, one that takes into account the individual circumstances and struggles of those who come before the court.

As the community continues to grapple with the fallout from this incident, there is a growing call for accountability and change. The hope is that this case will lead to meaningful reforms within the 36th District Court and beyond, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their age or circumstances, are treated with dignity and respect. The story of Eva Goodman and her experience in Judge Bradfield’s courtroom has resonated with many, highlighting the urgent need for a more empathetic and just judicial system.

In conclusion, the incident involving Eva Goodman and Judge David M Bradfield at the 36th District Court in Detroit has sparked widespread outrage and calls for reform. The excessive and punitive measures taken against a young girl for simply falling asleep in court have highlighted the need for greater sensitivity and understanding within the judicial system. As the community seeks accountability and change, the hope is that this case will lead to a more compassionate approach to justice, one that recognizes the unique challenges faced by young people and treats them with the care and respect they deserve.