Please cite the statute that grants the Judge the ability to assault
the defendant before him

Except in Judge Judy's courtroom there is none, however I think Jay's
point is that a judge should demand a certain amount of respect (if not
just for the fact that he/she can REALLY make your life miserable if
you give them a reason to) and this punk's alleged show of disrespect
was met with a strong reaction from the bench.

I have begun to question the respect due a judge given that judges have
become more politician-like in recent times.
They are now swayed by public opinion and private conversations,
disregarding the basic cannons of their trade.