NH Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald Resigns

Terms of the Judicial Conduct Agreement

In the resignation agreement posted by the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Conduct, Gordon MacDonald admitted to violating provisions requiring judges to avoid the appearance of impropriety, according to. He also admitted to failing to properly handle the employment of aide Dianne Martin and failing to impartially exercise his administrative appointment power. In a resignation letter sent to Governor Kelly Ayotte, MacDonald stated that his departure is in the best interests of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch, adding that he accepts responsibility and accountability for his conduct.

Investigation Origins and the Dianne Martin Payout

The judicial conduct investigation began last year following a report by New Hampshire Public Radio regarding Dianne Martin. Martin was laid off from a court position and rehired days later into a different role, resulting in a payout of nearly $50,000, according to. While MacDonald was on medical leave starting July 24, the court’s other four justices assumed his responsibilities. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch stated that the four justices learned the agreement had been signed on the morning of September 8.

Background and Appointment History

Gordon MacDonald served as the New Hampshire attorney general before being nominated to the state’s highest court. He was sworn in as chief justice in March 2021, making him the first New Hampshire Supreme Court chief justice in decades who had not previously served as a lower court judge, as reported. His path to the bench included a prior rejection in 2019 by the state’s Executive Council, which held a Democratic majority at the time.