A Florida Supreme Court panel recommended a hefty fine for a Brevard County judge who punched a public defender during a hearing last year.
A judicial qualifications panel ruled that Judge John Murphy violated several "Canons" of judicial conduct.
- READ the ruling from the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission
Murphy got into an argument during a hearing with a former public defender last year. At one point, the two walked out of the courtroom and the public defender, Andrew Weinstock, accused the judge of punching him.
Murphy took a four-week leave of absence and was reassigned to work on civil cases. He also released a letter of apology.
The panel recommended suspending Murphy without pay for 120 days, fining him $50,000 plus the cost of the proceedings and ordering him to continue participating in a mental health therapy program.
They also want Judge Murphy to repeat some judicial education courses at his own expense.
Weinstock has since resigned as a public defender.
The Florida Supreme Court will ultimately decide what punishment Murphy faces.