BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A judge allegedly challenged a public defender in court on Monday, telling him “I’ll just beat your ass” before punching him in the head during an altercation outside the courtroom, according to WFTV.
According to the report, Judge John Murphy and Assistant Public Defender Andrew Weinstock apparently exchanged words about a case after Weinstock refused to waive a client’s right to a speedy trial.
Editor’s note: The video contains adult language. Viewer discretion advised.
“You know, if I had a rock I would throw it at you right now,” Judge Murphy tells Weinstock during the verbal altercation. “Stop pissing me off. Just sit down.”
The two exchanged words and Judge Murphy allegedly told Weinstock, “If you want to fight, let’s go out back and I’ll just beat your ass.”
Weinstock then says “Let’s go,” and walks out the courtroom.
The two men apparently met in a nearby hallway, an area where there are no cameras, and a fight broke out.
“The attorney said that immediately upon entering the hallway he was grabbed by the collar and began to be struck,” Blaise Trettis, public defender of the 18th Judicial Court, told WFTV. “There was no discussion, no talk, not even time for anything. Just as soon as they’re in the hallway, the attorney was grabbed.”
Trettis told Florida Now Weinstock was struck in the head.
The courtroom camera captured audio of the scuffle. During the fight, one man can be heard screaming “You want to f*** with me?”
Deputies responded to break up the altercation.
The judge returned to the courtroom and finished ruling over court appearances.
Judge Murphy was not charged but could be disciplined, according to the report.
Read more: WFTV
Chucky1992
Both men, and I use that term loosely… should be disbarred.
Jim Terwiliger (@datsneefa)
Not only will this guy get off, but every action the judge took since the fight will be thrown out. Judge is subhuman trash as is the sheriff dept
Sinner 3
Personal dealings hey !!
Bob Ruscitti
Please don’t judge (no pun intended) him on this incident. I personally know Judge Murphy and his integrity is beyond reproach. This man is “down to earth” and hasn’t forgotten where he came from. I only wish we had more judges like him.
Sinner 3
Says one of the guys that got off easy !
J redken
Guess he didn’t punch you. Must have caught him on a good day. Send this POS to jail and kick him off the bench. You would think at some point Florida’s citizens would get tired of always being portrayed in the news as the most irrational, emotionally driven people in the country.
Stephen
The one thing judges get really testy with, is when you mess with their under the table payments! $500 and everything would’ve been just fine!
Sinner 3
Personal experience ?
Gene
They both should be disbarred. The courtroom should not have approved of this by clapping for the judge.
Sinner 3
You mean the Crooks or the lawyers ?
Sinner 3
If this judge says don’t go there don’t unless your a fighter ,hilarious you can’t make this mess up !
Shawn
The court appointed lower was just doing his job by asking for a speedy trial, which his client was entitled to.
Tj Alexander
i would of hate to be the person up next lol
Jack May
Judge Judy would have never have done that!!