The Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities announced that a public hearing will be held to address ethical charges filed against Judge Marc Knapp of the Orphans’ Court for Anne Arundel County. The hearing is scheduled for October 14, 29, and 30, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m. each day in Courtroom 4 of the Circuit Court for Howard County, located at 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, Maryland. The proceedings, open to the public, will examine allegations of misconduct in cases identified as CJD 2024-033, 034, 035, 040, 046, 047, 052, and 068.
The charges stem from investigations initiated by the Commission following complaints about Judge Knapp’s conduct. Investigative Counsel Tanya C. Bernstein led the inquiries, reviewing evidence such as court audio recordings, written correspondence from Knapp, media reports, and formal complaints. The Commission determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed with formal charges, citing probable cause that Knapp engaged in behavior violating the Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct.
Knapp, who has served as a judge since December 2022, faces allegations of unprofessional behavior, including aggressive and disrespectful interactions with a colleague, identified in reports as Judge Vickie Gipson. The charges detail verbal confrontations in private chambers, where Knapp allegedly used profanity and invaded personal space. These incidents are said to have contributed to a pattern of conduct that undermined the operations of the Orphans’ Court and public confidence in the judiciary.
Additional allegations involve Knapp’s public statements about cases pending in the District Court of Maryland. The Commission claims these remarks suggested an intent to influence case outcomes and included criticisms of the Maryland judiciary and the Commission itself. Such actions are alleged to have compromised judicial impartiality and integrity.
The charges also accuse Knapp of breaching confidentiality by publicly discussing matters under review by the Commission. He is quoted as claiming knowledge of confidential complaints, including those purportedly filed by himself and others against fellow judges. The Commission further alleges that Knapp engaged in retaliatory behavior toward colleagues and court staff who cooperated with the investigations or sought assistance, characterizing this as harassment and an attempt to interfere with judicial independence.
The Commission’s findings highlight several violations of judicial conduct rules, including failure to adhere to the law, maintain proper decorum, promote public confidence in the judiciary, and cooperate with disciplinary authorities. The charges also point to issues of bias and lack of competence in Knapp’s judicial duties.
The upcoming hearing will allow the Commission to review evidence and hear arguments related to the charges. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether disciplinary action is warranted based on the evidence presented.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
