A judge in the US tells an attorney in his court that if he wants a fight, that's what he'll get. He got it alright. Courtesy FOX 35.

WHEN a furious judge tells you to step outside, you know you’re in trouble. But, then, so is the judge.

Brevard County, Florida, Judge John Murphy was involved in a scuffle on Monday with local attorney, assistant public defender Andrew Weinstock.

Part of that clash was caught on court CCTV camera. The rest could easily be inferred.

What we know is scant: Judge Murphy is attempting to organise hearings about battery, assault and public misconduct.

As part of a procedural issue he and attorney Weinstock have an exchange of words.

It quickly escalated.

“If I had a rock I would throw it at you right now. Stop pissing me off, just sit down”.

The Judge orders the attorney to leave the dock. The attorney refuses — defending his right to represent his client.

The judge’s challenge rings out: “If you want to fight let’s go out back and I’ll just beat your ass.”

The attorney immediately accepts the challenge — and exits stage right.

The Judge follows, amid nervous laughter from the court.

Off camera, loud banging and cursing can be heard coming from the adjacent passageway.

The panting judge returns to the courtroom. To applause.

The attorney does not.

“I will catch my breath eventually,” the judge is heard to say. “Man, I’m an old man.”

The picturesque courthouse has since become the centre of US media attention, with satellite-broadcast vans parked on its tightly-cut lawns.

A Brevard County sheriff’s office spokesman said no formal investigation was underway as deputies “weren’t able to get statements, that I’m aware of.” It seems both the judge and attorney are remaining tight-lipped.

Another lawyer who witnessed the scene said bailiffs had to pull the pair apart.

“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,” the witness said.

Will the rule of law pull more weight than Judge Murphey’s punch?

Florida’s Chief Judge John Harris issued a written statement saying all of Judge Murphy’s cases had been reassigned.

“Moreover, Judge Murphy has agreed to seek anger management counselling and treatment during a temporary leave of absence,” the statement says.

Attorney Weinstock reportedly took today off. His legal firm is quoted as saying he would be out “for several days”.

But it doesn’t end there.

The Florida Bar, which is responsible for courthouse discipline, has said it has a “file open” on Judge Murphy’s rumble.

The Judicial Qualification Commission — which investigates such incidents — has denied to confirm whether or not the matter was before them.