Maryland Supreme Court Heard Judge Removal Arguments

The state court reviewed the potential removal of Chief Judge Vickie Gipson from the Anne Arundel County Orphans Court.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Criminal Justice

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a neoclassical stone column, evoking the institutional gravitas of the state court judicial review process. — The Maryland Supreme Court held hearings Monday to weigh the removal of Chief Judge Vickie Gipson following reports of recurring internal ethics violations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Maryland Supreme Court heard arguments on Monday regarding the removal of Chief Judge Vickie Gipson. The potential ouster follows a documented history of infighting and ethical concerns within the Anne Arundel County Orphans Court.

Why it matters

The proceedings stem from an escalating feud between sitting judges, involving reports of shouting matches, suppressed dissents, and ethics breaches. The case highlights ongoing turmoil within the three-judge panel elected to manage county probate matters.

The Maryland Supreme Court is considering the removal of Chief Judge Vickie Gipson from the Anne Arundel County Orphans Court. If removed, she would be the third of three judges elected in 2022 to fail to complete their four-year terms.

The players

Vickie Gipson

She serves as the Chief Judge of the Anne Arundel County Orphans Court and is currently the subject of removal proceedings.

Maryland Supreme Court

This is the highest judicial body in the state of Maryland responsible for overseeing legal proceedings and judicial conduct.

Anne Arundel County Orphans Court

This court is a local tribunal in Maryland that handles matters related to probate, estates, and the guardianship of minors.

The details

The state Supreme Court initiated the review process after documented reports of interpersonal conflicts and ethical violations among the judges. The ongoing judicial strife has already resulted in the June 2026 removal of Judge Marc Knapp and the 2024 resignation of Judge David Duba.

The judges were elected to four-year terms in 2022.
Judge David Duba resigned from the court in 2024.
Judge Marc Knapp was removed from his position in June 2026.
The Maryland Supreme Court heard removal arguments on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Legal Context

The current hearing follows the pattern of judicial removal established by the court's action against Judge Marc Knapp earlier this year. These proceedings reflect a rare period of administrative instability within Maryland's lower probate courts.

The potential removal of a Chief Judge may affect the administrative processing of probate and estate cases within Anne Arundel County. Residents with pending matters before the court should monitor official notices for updates regarding courtroom availability and judicial oversight.

The takeaway

This case underscores the rigorous standards for judicial conduct required within Maryland probate courts. It serves as a reminder that personal disputes between public officials can lead to formal state intervention and the eventual displacement of elected representatives.