On Monday, March 17, 2026, the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities recommended that Judge Marc Knapp of the Anne Arundel County Orphans’ Court be removed from his position. The recommendation stems from findings related to Knapp’s conduct and disputes with other court officials.

The commission, composed of judges, lawyers, and civilians, reached a unanimous decision following trial-like proceedings held the previous fall in the Howard County Circuit Court. During these proceedings, the commission’s investigative counsel presented a case against Knapp, after which the judge had the opportunity to present his defense.

Knapp expressed his disappointment with the commission’s decision, stating that he disagreed with their findings. Both investigative counsel and Knapp are permitted to file written exceptions to the commission’s findings, to which the commission can then respond.

The final decision regarding Knapp’s punishment rests with the Supreme Court of Maryland, which has the authority to order memorandums from both sides of the case. Disciplinary action against Knapp is expected to be placed on an expedited docket.

Knapp had already filed for reelection, raising questions about the potential outcomes if he were to win the election but subsequently be removed by the state supreme court. The situation also raises uncertainty about his eligibility to continue running if the high court removes him before the election.

The accusations against Knapp arise from a longstanding dispute with Vickie Gipson, the chief judge of the Anne Arundel probate court. Their disagreements escalated to the point where they were audibly disruptive within the Register of Wills Office and visible to the public. Gipson had twice summoned county police to the probate court and sought a peace order against Knapp.

The Maryland Office of the State Prosecutor had previously unsuccessfully prosecuted Knapp on charges of illegally recording his colleagues. An Anne Arundel Circuit Court judge found that the recording in question was illegally obtained by police, leading to the dismissal of the case.

Both Knapp and Gipson faced separate judicial ethics charges before the commission. The commission has not yet issued a ruling in Gipson’s case, which took longer than Knapp’s due to scheduling issues.

Investigative counsel argued that the behavior of both Gipson and Knapp served to undermine public confidence in the probate court. Court staff who testified at Knapp’s hearings recalled litigants questioning whether the two were acting professionally.

During his testimony, Knapp admitted to cursing at his colleagues, belittling them, and leaning over their desks during arguments. He also acknowledged telling then-Orphans’ Court Judge David Duba, “You’re not an attorney. You don’t know what the hell you’re doing.” He also repeatedly insulted Gipson’s writing and once told her to “quit dicking around” when he thought she was taking too long to issue an opinion.

The commission concluded that Knapp’s behavior was so severe that it could not be rectified with a punishment lesser than removal. They stated that Knapp’s misconduct was pervasive and severe, occurring on the bench, to court staff, and to judicial colleagues.

The commission also found that Knapp destroyed evidence in front of Anne Arundel County Police, exhibited bias, failed to cooperate with law enforcement, was not fully credible before the commission, and regularly cursed during his testimony.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.