Kenneth J. King
MI · Judge, 36th District Court
Judge on Detroit's 36th District Court since his 2006 appointment. He was earlier an executive administrator for the Wayne County Executive and a Wayne County assistant prosecutor, and holds degrees from Michigan State and University of Detroit Mercy law school.
Where Kenneth J. King stands, based on their records
Supports
Public Safety and Crime Control (1 record)
Track record
Track record — Public Safety and Crime Control
Public Safety and Crime Control · 1 support
As chief judge of the 36th District Court, publicly criticized Detroit's cuts to police, fire and court funding in a September 4, 2012 interview.
September 4, 2012Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: deadlinedetroit.com
Track record — General
General · 1 record
Returned to the bench after about five weeks off and was moved from criminal cases to traffic court, as reported September 26, 2024.
September 26, 2024
Source: wxyz.com
Track record — Impartiality
Impartiality · 1 unfavorable
Ordered a teenage girl on a courtroom field trip put in handcuffs and a jail uniform on August 13, 2024, after she fell asleep during his talk. The livestreamed video drew wide criticism.
August 13, 2024Unfavorable on Impartiality
Source: fox2detroit.com
Track record — Legal Competence
Legal Competence · 1 favorable · 1 unfavorable
Ordered a teenage girl on a courtroom field trip put in handcuffs and a jail uniform on August 13, 2024, after she fell asleep during his talk. The livestreamed video drew wide criticism.
August 13, 2024Unfavorable on Legal Competence
Source: fox2detroit.com
Was appointed to Detroit's 36th District Court by Governor Jennifer Granholm on June 21, 2006. He had been an executive administrator for the Wayne County Executive and a Wayne County assistant prosecutor.
June 21, 2006Favorable on Legal Competence
Source: michigan.gov
Track record — Candidate Ethics
Candidate Ethics · 3 records
The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission filed a public misconduct complaint against him (Formal Complaint 111) on November 14, 2025. It asked the Michigan Supreme Court to appoint a special master to hear the case.
November 14, 2025
Source: jtc.courts.mi.gov
Was temporarily removed from his docket by 36th District Court Chief Judge William McConico on August 15, 2024, over the field-trip handcuffing. The chief judge also required him to take cultural competency and sensitivity training.
August 15, 2024
Source: wxyz.com
Was removed as chief judge of the 36th District Court by the Michigan Supreme Court on July 22, 2013. The court said he had not helped the judge it appointed to fix the court's finances. King said he had not been kept informed.
July 22, 2013
Source: abajournal.com
Past race Kenneth J. King ran in:
- 36th District Judge of District Court - Incumbent - 6 Year Term, City of Detroit · November 3, 2026 · Detroit city, Michigan · incumbent