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Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald steps away from the bench

2 months ago in Local

In this March 28, 2017 file photo, Manchester attorney Gordon MacDonald listens during a public hearing in the executive council chambers at the New Hampshire Statehouse in Concord, N.H. The New Hampshire Executive Council votes Wednesday, April 5, 2017, whether to confirm MacDonald as the state's new attorney general. Photo: Associated Press/AP Photo/Elise Amendola


CONCORD, N.H.- New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald announced Friday that he’s stepping away from his role effective immediately for a medical leave.

Following his temporary departure, officials say no further details would be provided as to why.

Out of this news court officials say MacDonald’s fellow judges will absorb his case load and continue to prepare for the court’s next session which is scheduled to for September 22,2026.

MacDonland’s leave of absence follows a number of incidents that have created potential drama for the high court; ranging from the situation with now retired Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi who claims she consulted MacDonald before approaching then Governor Chris Sununu over her husband Geno Marconi’s legal troubles and firing, to which McDonald says he doesn’t remember that conversation taking place.

The other being his role in what has been described as an unusual deal which allowed for the re-hiring of his former chief of staff, Dianne Martian who was paid nearly $50,000 in leave and other benefits.

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Story © 2026 Saga Communications - Images © 2026 Associated Press

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