NH Supreme Court Faces Challenge Over Oral Argument Panel Composition Amidst Judicial Conduct Investigation
The New Hampshire Supreme Court is facing a challenge regarding the composition of the judicial panel set to hear oral arguments for the Fall term. Attorney Mark Sisti filed a motion on behalf of his client, Tyler Twombly, questioning which justices will preside over the case, particularly in light of recent events surrounding the court. The challenge comes after the resignation of Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald, who admitted to violating the judicial conduct code, and an ongoing investigation by the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) into the court's administration. Sisti's motion highlights concerns about the shifting panel makeup, the disqualification of certain justices without clear explanation, and the potential involvement of other justices in the JCC investigation. The court granted a stay of oral arguments, giving the state 14 days to respond to the motion. Twombly's case, involving charges of assault, burglary, and felony possession of a weapon, requires a fully qualified and vetted panel of five j...