New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald Resigns Amid Ethics Violations
Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald stepped down immediately after admitting to breaches of the state judicial code tied to a controversial rehiring that awarded a colleague nearly $50,000 in benefits.
Gordon MacDonald, the 64-year-old chief justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, resigned effective immediately, stating that his departure serves the best interests of the state’s judicial branch. The resignation follows an ethics investigation that concluded he breached three sections of the state’s Code of Judicial Conduct. The misconduct involved orchestrating the layoff and swift rehiring of longtime ally Dianne Martin, enabling her to collect almost $50,000 in accrued benefits.
The Judicial Conduct Committee determined that MacDonald failed to promote public confidence, acted incompetently, and displayed favoritism in the removal and reinstatement of Martin. The committee also cited prior incidents of MacDonald yelling and using profanity toward fellow justices. By resigning, MacDonald avoided a formal hearing, and the matter will not proceed to trial.
Why it matters
The resignation highlights concerns about judicial impartiality and the importance of ethical standards in the legal system.
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