judge who threatened to fight lawyer removed from bench

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A judge who was captured on video berating and threatening to fight an assistant public defender has been ordered removed from the bench by the Florida Supreme Court.

Full Answer

Did a Florida judge threaten to beat down a lawyer?

A Florida judge who was caught on camera threatening to beat down a lawyer in court last year — and then allegedly made due on his promise — has been removed from his post thanks to his dishonorable behavior.

What happened to Judge Murphy's ex-lawyer?

Weinstock, who resigned his job when Murphy returned to the bench in July 2014 after anger-management counseling, declined to discuss the judge's removal. “No, thank you,” he said before hanging up his phone Friday.

Why did the Florida Supreme Court decide to remove a judge?

The Florida Supreme Court decided Thursday that Brevard County Judge John C. Murphy should be taken off the bench after his "grievous misconduct became a national spectacle and an embarrassment to Florida's judicial system."

Who was the judge who used fake Facebook accounts?

Blocton, who was a circuit judge in the Birmingham court’s domestic relations division, also used fake Facebook accounts “to communicate with litigants in a pending domestic-relations case in an effort to affect the outcome of the case,” according to the judgment.

What was the Florida judge found guilty of?

The Florida judge was found guilty of 'grievous misconduct' for threatening and fighting an attorney before continuing to hear cases.

Why was Weinstock removed from office?

The Florida Supreme Court removed a judge from office Thursday for telling a public defender “I’ll just beat your ass” before making good on the threat and continuing court proceedings without defense counsel.

Who was Weinstock's boss?

Weinstock maintained through his boss, Blaise Trettis, who gave media interviews after the incident, that he expected a conversation, not a physical confrontation, when he followed Murphy into the hallway, but was instead surprised by a grabby, fist-flinging judge. [.

What happened to the Florida judge who challenged a public defender to a fistfight?

Judge who caused 'national spectacle' by challenging public defender to fistfight loses his job. Rejecting a recommended 120-day suspension and $50,000 fine for a Florida judge who challenged a public defender to a fistfight last year, the state supreme court on Thursday removed him from office. Calling the June 2014 incident in Brevard County ...

Why did Weinstock quit his job?

Later, Weinstock quit his job over the incident, saying that he felt his boss should have opposed Murphy’s return to the bench.

Is Weinstock still standing?

Weinstock remains standing. “You know what? I’m the public defender,” he replies. “I have a right to be here, and I have a right to stand and represent my clients.”

Why did the judge suffer from a "perfect storm" of emotional stress?

The court filing said a doctor did not back up that diagnosis, but said the judge suffered from a "perfect storm" of emotional stress due to fatigue from his job and the death of his father.

Who is the public defender in Murphy v. Murphy?

Murphy's courtroom conflict erupted last June during an argument with a public defender, Andrew Weinstock, over a client's right to a speedy trial.

Can the Supreme Court prove the beating happened?

The state's Supreme Court could not prove the beating happened — but said the judge's behavior was bad enough on its own.