BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Supreme Court has suspended a county judge who was captured on video berating and threatening to assault a public defender.
In an order released Tuesday, the court ordered Brevard County Judge John C. Murphy suspended without pay until the end of his judicial discipline case, which is still pending. Murphy also must explain why he should not be removed from office. He was given 20 days to respond.
PDF: JQC findings, conclusions and recommendations on Judge Murphy
Raw Video: Judge tells attorney 'I'll beat your ass' (Warning: Graphic language)
Murphy is accused of hitting former assistant public defender Andrew Weinstock outside a courtroom last year after they argued over whether Weinstock's client could have a speedy trial.
At one point, Murphy told Weinstock in court, "You know, if I had a rock I'd throw it at you right now. Stop pissing me off. Now sit down."
When Weinstock continued to argue with the judge, Murphy said, "I said sit down. If you want to fight, let's go out back and I'll just beat your ass."
At that point, Weinstock and Murphy left the courtroom. Weinstock said that's where Murphy punched him, but Murphy said he only grabbed the attorney by the shoulders after he was shoved in the chest.
WFTV
