Florida judge that got into fist-fight with public defender is officially suspended

[davidn3600]

TALLAHASSEE — In a rare move, the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday immediately suspended a Brevard County judge who interrupted court proceedings last year to scuffle with an assistant public defender after threatening to "beat your ass" in a video that went viral.

The court also gave Judge John C. Murphy until Oct. 26 to show why he should not be permanently removed from the bench.

A panel of the state Judicial Qualifications Commission, which oversees judges, recommended in May that Murphy be given a four-month suspension without pay and a $50,000 fine, but the Supreme Court is the final arbiter of punishments against judges and lawyers.

Tuesday's order is another example of an increasingly stern Supreme Court, which is more frequently seeking stiffer penalties against errant judges.

But it is the first time in recent history that the justices have removed a sitting judge from the bench while an inquiry was still pending.

Murphy, who was elected in 2006, gave public defender Andrew Weinstock a tongue-lashing during proceedings captured on a Viera courtroom camera last June.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-brevard-judge-murphy-suspended-20151006-story.html

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. The judge seems to have gotten a round of applause when he returned

and also, on another video, seems to be aware he will be replaced.

The attorney was not very well mannered, I have to say, in his tone.
Get the feeling there was already bad blood between them.

Still, a lousy example to set for respect for the courtroom, on both sides.