A Florida judge allegedly challenged an assistant public defender to "go out back and I'll just beat your ass" before punching him in the head on Monday, witnesses have said.
The confrontation began during a court session in Viera, Fla., where Judge John Murphy asked Assistant Public Defender Andrew Weinstock to waive his client's right to a speedy trial, the public defender's office said.
But Weinstock, whom some witnesses branded as "disrespectful" towards Murphy, said he would not, UK MailOnline reported.
Video of the incident was released to Florida Today. The footage shows Murphy and Weinstock exchange words about a case after Weinstock refuses to waive one clients' right to a speedy trial, USA Today reported.
"You want to set it for docket sounding, set it for docket sounding. I'm not waiving in any case. This is an emergency created by the state," the attorney says.
Murphy responds, "You know if I had a rock I would throw it at you right now. Stop pissing me off. Just sit down. I'll take care of it. I don't need your help. Sit down."
"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."
"I said sit down. If you want to fight lets go out back and I'll just beat your ass."
As soon as the men disappear off camera, loud banging can be heard. After going into a hallway, Murphy allegedly grabbed Weinstock by the collar and started hitting him, according to the public defender's office, reported CBS Orlando affiliate WKMG-TV.
"The lawyer said as soon as he got in the hallway the judge grabbed him by the collar and began punching him in the head," Public Defender Trettis said.
While Weinstock was attempting to stop the blows, courtroom bailiffs came to the scene and pulled the two apart.
Trettis said he met with Weinstock, but he had not seen the courtroom video when he spoke with Florida Today Monday evening. He said to his knowledge, criminal charges won't be pursued.
"I hope it's not a reflection on Judge Murphy's really outstanding legal career," Trettis said, adding, "If it's true, you know, I think it's really an uncharacteristic, isolated incident."
WKMG legal analyst Luis Calderon said the worst cast scenarios for both men could result in them losing their jobs and possibly being disbarred, CBS news reported.
