As Maryland’s top prosecutor, Attorney General Douglas Gansler is supposed to make sure everybody obeys the law, including members of the General Assembly. But, after refusing to investigate credible document-tampering charges in connection with the Maryland General Assembly’s special session last fall, Gansler then tried to prevent the deposition of a key witness. Because Gansler won’t do his job, Carroll County Circuit Judge Thomas Stansfield should order a criminal investigation and get to the bottom of the latest scandal in Annapolis.

At issue is a backdated letter from the Maryland House to the state Senate that Maryland GOP leaders contend violated the state constitution. The constitution requires both chambers to consent prior to adjournment by either one of them. The letter, ostensibly from the secretary of the Senate, is dated Nov. 9 — the last day the Senate was in session, even though it was actually written Nov. 12 by an assistant House clerk.