Judges aren't generally perceived as being the toughest people in the crime-fighting community, but one Florida justice has set about changing that, springing into action when a brawl erupted in his courtroom.

The incident occurred in Broward County Circuit Court on Tuesday morning after a woman completed her testimony in a domestic-violence case. The defendant, John Charles Reasee, raced across the courtroom and attacked his accuser but was brought up short by a flying judge.

Despite being clad in cumbersome robes, Justice Ian Richards vaulted his bench to tackle Reasee, eventually subduing him with the help of cops and bailiffs.

While we generally prefer the idea of our judges being sober and objective rather than ass-kicking action heroes, in this case, we're willing to make an exception for Mr. Richards' brand of rough justice.

Check out a video of the melee, after the jump.