Brevard County Judge John C. Murphy was removed from the bench by the Florida Supreme Court. The US judge has lost his job over a bizarre incident after he threatened and got into a physical altercation with an assistant public defender on June 2, 2014.
Judge John C. Murphy was fired for "appalling behavior". The top court overruled the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission in a ruling, which suggested a $50,000 fine, a public reprimand, continued participation in a mental health therapy program, and a recommended 120-day suspension.
Instead, the Supreme Court ruled that Murphy was not fit to serve as a judge. "Notwithstanding his prior judicial performance, Judge Murphy's total lack of self-control became a national spectacle - an embarrassment not only to the judge himself but also to Florida's judicial system. Given the clear erosion of public confidence in the judiciary caused by his misconduct, removal is an appropriate sanction."
"Given the clear erosion of public confidence in the judiciary caused by his misconduct, removal is an appropriate sanction," the Supreme Court added.
The US judge was first elected to the court in September 2006. He was also awarded with a Bronze Star and two Meritorious Service Medals which he got from serving with Special Forces in several countries. John C. Murphy then submitted a Veterans Affairs during the disciplinary hearing, which states that he was suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder from his service back in Afghanistan.
His physician also reported to claim that the heavy workload and the recent death of the judge's father contributed to his decision to punch out his vexations.
After the ruling, Brevard County Chief Judge John D. Galluzzo noted that the vacancy caused by his removal from the office should not lead to "significant disruption of court services". The chief Judge also wished John C. Murphy "success in his future endeavors."
The Supreme Court officially cited violations of the code of judicial conduct and rules of professional conduct. While John C. Murphy was not charged with any crimes, the Florida Supreme Court did not hesitate to pull the plug on Judge Murphy's career.
