New Hampshire Chief Justice Quits After Ethics Probe
New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald resigned after the Judicial Conduct Committee found he violated the Code of Judicial Conduct in actions related to the layoff and rehiring of an employee, bypassing procedures and failing to ensure impartial administrative appointments. He took responsibility and said resignation would help preserve the court’s integrity; Gov. Ayotte accepted the resignation effective immediately. Four associate justices have taken over Chief Justice duties during his medical leave, with the court awaiting Sept. 22 oral arguments.