MacDonald sent his resignation to New Hampshire GOP Gov. Kelly Ayotte, acknowledging his violations and pointed to a stipulation and agreement he reached with the court’s judicial conduct committee.
Gordon MacDonald, the state's top judge, announced his sudden resignation on Tuesday. He was facing potential discipline for his role in a unique personnel maneuver that benefited a top ally.
Seven weeks after saying he was taking a medical leave, Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon J. MacDonald permanently resigned from the bench as part of a settlement to resolve a Judicial Conduct Commission investigation into his conduct.
“I believe this is in the best interests of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch,” he wrote in a letter to the governor. “I accept responsibility and accountability for my conduct.”
"I believe this is in the best interest of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. I accept responsibility and accountability for my conduct," he wrote to Gov. Kelly Ayotte in a letter dated today, Sept. 15. He had been on a medical leave of absence.
The chief justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court has resigned after an investigation found he had directed $50,000 to a friend of his working at the court.
