Brevard County Judge John C. Murphy Could Face Discipline after Scuffle

A state investigative panel has given notice that a Brevard County judge could face disciplinary action for a highly publicized scuffle with an assistant public defender in June.

The panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission on Wednesday issued what is known as a "notice of formal charges" against Judge John C. Murphy and said he could face allegations of violating the state's code of judicial conduct.

Murphy drew national attention after a videotaped dispute with Assistant Public Defender Andrew Weinstock.

The dispute stemmed from Weinstock's refusal to waive a speedy trial for a client.

Wednesday's notice recounted Murphy's use of profanity and challenging Weinstock to a fight.

"If you want to fight, let’s go out back and I’ll just beat your ass,'' Murphy said at one point.
The judge and attorney went into a hallway, and sounds of scuffling could be heard on a courtroom recording, the notice said. Murphy has 20 days to file a written response.

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Brevard County Judge Could Face Discipline After Scuffle
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