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Judge was fired after getting into ‘fist fight’ with public defender
Featured Image Credit: WESH Orlando

Judge was fired after getting into ‘fist fight’ with public defender

"If I had a rock, I would throw it at you right now"

Today we're looking at the case of Judge John C Murphy, who was fired after getting into a 'fist fight' with a public defender.

It's a tough gig being a judge. Not only in terms of the rigorous educational process you have to go through, but also on a personal level.

You've got to cast aside your personal beliefs and emotions and be able to decide on cases solely on the evidence and the facts.

It's not often you see judges lose their cool – a perfect example being Penney S Azcarate, who somehow made it through the explosive Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard defamation trial without breaking her apathetic gaze.

At the other end of the scale you've got Brevard Court Judge Murphy, who went viral back in 2015 thanks to a physical altercation with public defender Andrew Weinstock.

As is shown in the clip, the fight unfolded after Weinstock’s refusal to waive his client’s right to a speedy trial.

Murphy doesn't take too kindly to this action, shouting: "You know, if I had a rock, I would throw it at you right now.

"Stop pissing me off. Just sit down. I’ll take care of this. I don’t need your help. Sit down."

But Weinstock refuses to back down, stating: "You know what? I’m the public defender. I have a right to be here, and I have a right to stand and represent my clients."

A frustrated Murphy replies: "I said sit down. If you want to fight, let’s go out back, and I’ll just beat your ass."

Weinstock agrees and the pair quite literally take it outside, much to the amazement of the courtroom.

Judge John C Murphy was fired from his position over the altercation.
WESH 2 News

They can be heard shouting at each other in the background as the brawl takes place, and as soon as it's finished the attendants start to clap and cheer.

According to court documents, both men accused each other of throwing the first punch, with Weinstock claiming Murphy hit him twice in the face.

The Judge, on the other hand, accused Weinstock of punching him in the chest. It later transpired that a deputy reportedly had to separate the pair.

Ultimately, a disciplinary hearing saw Murphy fired from his position over what was described as 'appalling behaviour'.

The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission tried to fight for him to receive a 120-day suspension, $50,000 fine and participation in a mental health therapy program.

The courtroom started clapping once the fight was over.
Brevard County Court/WESH 2 News

However, this was overruled by the Florida Supreme Court as it decided it couldn't rule out 'future misconduct' following the 'fist fight'.

Court documents state: "Notwithstanding his prior judicial performance, Judge Murphy’s total lack of self-control became a national spectacle – an embarrassment not only to the judge himself but also to Florida’s judicial system.

"Given the clear erosion of public confidence in the judiciary caused by his misconduct, removal is an appropriate sanction."

Topics: US News, Crime, Viral