Judge removed from bench for punching attorney
VIERA, Fla. — A Florida judge accused of punching an assistant public defender during an altercation outside a courtroom isn’t on the bench.
Another judge was taking over the caseload of Judge John Murphy in Brevard County on Tuesday.
Murphy allegedly hit Andrew Weinstock on Monday after the two exchanged words over whether his client could have a speedy trial.
Court spokeswoman Michelle Kennedy says the circuit’s chief judge will issue a statement about the altercation later Tuesday.
She says no decision on Murphy’s status has been made.
A courtroom video moments before the fight shows the judge ordering Weinstock to sit down. The judge says he would throw a rock at Weinstock if he had one.
The judge then asks Weinstock if he wants a fight to step outside the courtroom.
