Some may recall my earlier post about Florida Judge John C. Murphy. He’s the guy who challenged Assistant public defender Andrew Weinstock to a fight for refusing to waive his client’s speedy trial rights. Judge Murphy then apparently grabbed the defense lawyer by the collar and punched him in the head. Security footage of the incident is embedded below:
Many who saw the original post asked, “What happened with that case? Was the judge arrested, charged with assault and disbarred?” As it turns out, not so much.
Judge Murphy wasn’t charged with any crime and, though a judicial conduct investigator questioned some witnesses, there’s no disciplinary action pending. Murphy did take four weeks of paid leave, did some anger management classes and wrote this nice apology letter.
Today, Murphy is back on the bench, reassigned to handle civil cases. His return was supported by Andrew Weinstock’s boss, elected Public Defender Blaise Trettis.
Weinstock, on the other hand, didn’t fare so well. He resigned yesterday, and is under an ethics investigation regarding the courtroom fight. In his resignation letter to Trettis, Weinstock wrote:
“I am thankful that I have had the opportunity over the years to practice law with the many outstanding attorneys who have worked for the Public Defender,…As you are aware, I do not agree with your position on Judge Murphy returning to the bench. As such, I hereby tender my resignation, effective immediately.”
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