UPDATE: Another judge on Tuesday was taking over the caseload of Judge John Murphy in Brevard County.
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.
- A judge allegedly struck a public defender Monday after a verbal confrontation in a Brevard County courtroom, CBS Orlando WKMG reports.
Judge John Murphy is accused of hitting Andrew Weinstock, according to the public defender's office.
During a court session, Murphy asked Weinstock to waive his client's right to a speedy trial, but Weinstock refused, the public defender's office said.
The confrontation leading up to the fight was captured on video.
"If I had a rock, I would throw it at you right now," Murphy said. "Stop pissing me off. Just sit down. I'll take care of it. I don't need your help. Sit down."
"I'm the public defender, I have the right to be here and I have a right to stand and represent my clients," Weinstock said.
"Sit down," Murphy said. "If you want to fight, let's go out back and I'll just beat your ass."
"Let's go right now," Weinstock said.
The two went into a hallway and Murphy allegedly grabbed Weinstock by the collar and started hitting him, according to the public defender's office.
Although off camera, the two can still be heard yelling at each other, with one of them saying, "You want to (expletive) with me?"
A Brevard County sheriff’s deputy stopped the fight.
The participants refused to press charges, and no arrests were made.
Video also shows the judge being applauded as he returned to the courtroom.
It's not known if the judge or public defender will face any disciplinary action.
FOR MORE ON THIS: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/brevard-judge-accused-of-hitting-public-defender/26292300
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