Gordon MacDonald

Backers of an investigation say an inquiry into the chief justice is necessary to restore confidence in the courts. Opponents question its underlying evidence.

On Thursday, the New Hampshire House is scheduled to debate a resolution to launch an investigation into Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald over a range of topics. It's an unusual move that is dividing the majority party.

The review was prompted by an NHPR investigation that revealed a close ally of Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald was laid off for 48-hours, allowing her to collect accrued benefits, before being rehired into a new role.

State prosecutors sent letters to a range of officials — including Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald — instructing them not to destroy any records related to a $50,000 payout.

In April, Dianne Martin was laid off from her state job and rehired two days later, an unusual maneuver that allowed her to collect employment benefits. In a statement, justices on the NH Supreme Court said the move was in line with personnel policies.

Earlier this year, Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald warned of layoffs and delayed trials due to tight budgets. But at the same time, according to a whistleblower, MacDonald helped orchestrate a nearly $50,000 payout for his former chief of staff.

A former governor, the current attorney general and the state’s chief justice could all be called in the trial of Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi, who is accused of improper influence.

Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald sent a note to all judicial branch staff on Wednesday, warning of painful cuts if the state were to adopt the House’s proposed budget.

New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi claims the charges of improper influence aren’t supported by facts. State prosecutors want a jury to hear the full case.

The chief justice's statements contradict Justice Hantz Marconi’s claims that she had his consent to speak with Sununu.