Florida Judge, Lawyer Fist Fight Outside Courtroom

A Florida judge started a fistfight with a lawyer outside his courtroom.

Judge John Murphy challenged a public defender with the phrase “Let’s go out back and I’ll beat your ass.” The remark was made in the trial chamber.

The lawyer, Andrew Weinstock, then went outside with the judge. Murphy allegedly threw the first punch, hitting his opponent in the face.

On a video of the incident, the judge is heard saying “You know, if I had a rock, I would throw it at you right now.”

The incident was sparked when Murphy was attempting to persuade Weinstock to wave the right to a speedy trial for his client.

The attorney answered, “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.”

Blaise Trettis, another public defender in the court, told a local television station the judge grabbed Weinstock by the collar as soon as the two entered the hallway.

After the scuffle, the lawyer was left with a bruise to his head. The judge returned to the chamber to applause from many in the courtroom.

The incident has been reported to the Florida Bar Association, but no charges have yet been filed over the incident. Both men could be disbarred over the fight, losing their positions.