Judge Beats Up Public Defender

Judge John C. Murphy of Brevard County, Florida was feeling a bit like Judge Dredd yesterday morning. Video captured him verbally sparring with an experienced assistant public defender, Andrew Weinstock, before requesting Weinstock visit him in his “Chambers of Doom” (a.k.a. the hallway) for some actual sparring.

Looks like we need to come up with a new term beyond “benchslap.”

Cue Michael Buffer: “Let’s get ready to RUMMMMMBLLLLLLE!”

The impetus for the fight was Weinstock’s refusal to waive his client’s right to a speedy trial. It would seem Judge Murphy acted quickly in compliance with Weinstock’s request and docketed a trial by combat.
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