The Arkansas Supreme Court has been embroiled in drama after the new Chief Justice tried to purge several employees - only to be blocked by the other justices.

Chief Justice Karen Baker attempted to unilaterally fire 10 court employees in what the court called a "retaliatory" move, the Arkansas Advocate reported.

“If carried out, those terminations would disrupt the administration of justice across the state of Arkansas,” the court’s order said. “The Chief Justice did not notify—let alone consult—the court before attempting to unilaterally fire these long-tenured court employees.”

Court firings blocked

Baker, who was elected in November to be Chief Justice, previously prompted the Supreme Court to change its rules after she entered the office of the court's administrative director, Marty Sullivan, when he wasn't there.

In her first week as Chief Justice, Baker confronted Sullivan and the court's police chief about records requests about her. The next day, she intercepted the police chief as he entered the building and told him he was fired.

She also had termination letters ready for 10 other employees, including Sullivan. Some of those targeted for termination had HR complaints against Baker.

"A million" different reasons

According to the court's order, Baker refused to meet with other justices or justify the firings, but she said she had "a million" different reasons.

Only the court can fire the administrative director, who has the power to fire other staff members, the court's order said.

"Any terminations that have occurred on or after January 1, 2025, in contravention of this order are hereby rescinded, effective immediately," the court said.

"The failure to abide by any provision of this order may result in a citation for contempt."

Chief Justice responds

In an interview with local outlet KARK, Baker accused her critics of trying to usurp her authority over court administration.

She insisted she is doing nothing different from her predecessors, and blamed the backlash on her former opponent, Associate Justice Rhonda Wood, whom Baker defeated in November's election for Chief Justice.

“As the first woman elected to be the chief justice for the state of Arkansas in the state’s history, I will accept no less authority than my predecessors have,” Baker said on Monday. “The actions by my former opponent are unfortunate.”

Baker said that she will hold a meeting in January to discuss the status of the 10 employees, but they will continue to be paid in the meantime.