On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Anne Arundel County Orphans’ Court Chief Judge Vickie Gipson filed a response to ethics charges brought against her by the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities. The commission alleges that Gipson violated multiple provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct during an ongoing dispute with fellow Orphans’ Court Judge Marc Knapp.

The charges were filed following an investigation by the commission’s investigative counsel, which concluded that Gipson engaged in unprofessional behavior and abused her authority as chief judge. The allegations stem from a contentious relationship between Gipson and Knapp, who himself faced legal troubles after being indicted for illegally recording his colleagues in December.

The commission’s complaint outlines that Gipson’s actions included prohibiting Knapp from performing judicial duties such as working in the courtroom and signing orders. These restrictions were said to limit Knapp’s judicial independence and disrupt court operations. The charges also note that Gipson called the police when Knapp refused to vacate the courtroom and sought a peace order against him in May 2024, claiming fear for her safety due to his alleged aggressive conduct.

In her response, Gipson, through her attorney Claudia Barber, denied all wrongdoing and characterized Knapp as the instigator of a hostile work environment. Barber argued that the commission’s actions against Gipson further victimized her in an already challenging situation. Barber emphasized that Gipson took responsibility for her actions but suggested that circumstances contributed to her decisions.

The commission filed the charges in late February, but the details were only recently made public on the Maryland Judiciary’s website, along with Gipson’s formal response. The commission’s findings indicate that both judges engaged in “altercations” deemed unprofessional, yet it is Gipson’s alleged misuse of her position that has drawn the most scrutiny.

If the commission determines that Gipson committed sanctionable conduct, the case will be referred to the Supreme Court of Maryland for potential disciplinary action. The process includes a public hearing before the commission, where evidence and testimonies will be presented.

In Gipson’s formal response to the charges, Barber criticized the commission for not taking earlier action against Knapp, suggesting that prompt intervention could have prevented the current situation. Barber stated, “Had the Commission put Judge Knapp on administrative leave back in April 2024, we would not be here today.” She maintained that Gipson’s actions were not intended to violate ethical standards and expressed regret for the circumstances that led to the charges.

Gipson has been serving as a judge on the Orphans’ Court since 2018, while Knapp joined the bench in 2022. The ongoing situation has raised concerns about judicial conduct and the management of interpersonal conflicts within the court system.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.