The Maryland Supreme Court has removed Judge Marc Knapp from the Orphans’ Court for Anne Arundel County due to serious misconduct. The court found that Knapp violated multiple provisions of the Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct, which governs the ethical behavior of judges. This ruling affects the integrity of the judiciary and emphasizes the importance of ethical standards for judges.
This case, filed under docket number 1jdo/25, arose from a series of actions taken by Judge Knapp that were deemed prejudicial to the administration of justice. The court's decision underscores the need for judges to maintain a high standard of conduct in their professional roles.
Background
Judge Marc Knapp was elected to the Orphans’ Court for Anne Arundel County in November 2022. The Orphans’ Court handles matters related to the administration of estates and guardianships. Knapp's tenure was marked by tensions with his colleagues, particularly with Chief Judge Vickie Gipson. These tensions escalated into public disputes and accusations of misconduct.
The Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities began investigating Knapp after receiving complaints about his behavior. The Commission held a public hearing in October 2025, where they reviewed evidence, including testimonies from multiple witnesses and recordings of court proceedings. The Commission found sufficient evidence to support charges against Knapp, leading to their recommendation for his removal.
The Ruling
On July 17, 2026, the Maryland Supreme Court ruled unanimously to remove Judge Knapp from office. The court found that his actions, including recording judicial deliberations without consent and attempting to destroy evidence, constituted egregious misconduct. Judge Booth, writing for the court, stated, "Such conduct is fundamentally incompatible with judicial office and erodes the public confidence and trust in the Judiciary." The court emphasized that Knapp's behavior not only violated the Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct but also undermined the integrity of the judicial system.
The court's ruling was based on the findings of the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities, which had concluded that Knapp's actions were severe enough to warrant removal. The Commission had previously found that Knapp failed to maintain decorum and exhibited bias, among other violations.
Impact
This ruling serves as a significant reminder of the standards expected of judges in Maryland. It reinforces the idea that judges must adhere to ethical guidelines to maintain public trust in the judicial system. The removal of Judge Knapp may also set a precedent for future cases involving judicial misconduct, highlighting the court's commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary.
The decision impacts not only Judge Knapp but also the public's perception of the judiciary in Maryland. It demonstrates that the court takes allegations of misconduct seriously and is willing to take decisive action to protect the integrity of the judicial system.
What's Next
Following the ruling, Judge Knapp has the option to appeal the decision, although the court's unanimous ruling suggests that the chances of a successful appeal may be limited. There is no related case pending at this time.