S.C. Code Ann. § 14-31-20 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 31 / Section 14-31-20
SECTION 14-31-20. Purpose of chapter.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to divert qualifying mentally ill offenders away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment programs, thereby reserving prison space for violent criminals and others for whom incarceration is the only reasonable alternative. Offenders with a diagnosed, or diagnosable mental illness generally recognized in the psychiatric community, qualify for participation in a mental health court program.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1110 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 9 / Section 14-7-1110
SECTION 14-7-1110. Peremptory challenges in criminal cases.
Status: in_force

Any person who is arraigned for the crime of murder, manslaughter, burglary, arson, criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery, grand larceny, or breach of trust when it is punishable as for grand larceny, perjury, or forgery is entitled to peremptory challenges not exceeding ten, and the State in these cases is entitled to peremptory challenges not exceeding five. Any person who is indicted for any crime or offense other than those enumerated above has the right to peremptory challenges not exceeding five, and the State in these cases is entitled to peremptory challenges not exceeding five. No right to stand aside jurors is allowed to the State in any case whatsoever. In no case where there is more than one defendant jointly tried are more than twenty peremptory challenges allowed in all to the defendants, and in misdemeanors when there is more than one defendant jointly tried no more than ten peremptory challenges are allowed in all to the defendants. In felonies when there is more than one defendant jointly tried the State has ten challenges.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-400 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 14-5-400
SECTION 14-5-400. Jurisdiction of judge presiding at term beginning last Monday in April.
Status: in_force

Any judge of the circuit court of this State who may be presiding at a court in any county in the State at a term beginning the last Monday in April of any year shall have jurisdiction of all matters throughout such term, notwithstanding such term may extend into the month of May.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-23-1020 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 23 / Article 9 / Section 14-23-1020
SECTION 14-23-1020. Election and term of judges; filling of vacancies.
Status: in_force

There shall be a judge of probate for each probate court. The probate judge of each county holding office on June 30, 1976, shall continue to be such judge of probate until the expiration of his term of office at which time his successor shall be selected as provided by law for a term of four years and until his successor is elected and qualifies. Except as otherwise provided by this section, any vacancy in the office of probate judge shall be filled as provided by law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-3-80 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 14-3-80
SECTION 14-3-80. Presiding officer.
Status: in_force

The Chief Justice shall preside. In the absence of the Chief Justice, the justice oldest in service and present shall preside.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-8-550 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 8 / Article VII / Section 14-8-550
SECTION 14-8-550. Court of Appeals to be part of unified judicial system.
Status: in_force

The Court herein established shall be a part of the unified judicial system and the provisions of this chapter shall be construed in a manner consistent therewith.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-25-135 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 25 / Article 1 / Section 14-25-135
SECTION 14-25-135. Jury commissioners.
Status: in_force

The council shall appoint not less than three nor more than five persons to serve as jury commissioners for the municipal court; provided, however, that the council may act as jury commissioners in lieu of appointing such commissioners. Editor's Note This section contains provisions dealing with matters formerly dealt with by SECTIONS 14-25-510 and 14-25-620.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1820 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 15 / Section 14-7-1820
SECTION 14-7-1820. Application of article.
Status: in_force

This article applies to offenses committed both before and after its effective date. Editor's Note 1992 Act No. 335 SECTION 2, eff May 4, 1992, provides as follows: "SECTION 2. The expanded jurisdiction of the state grand jury system applies to offenses committed both before and after the effective date of this act."
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-8-500 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 8 / Article VII / Section 14-8-500
SECTION 14-8-500. Publication and distribution of opinions and decisions.
Status: in_force

Editing, publishing and distribution of the opinions and decisions of the Court shall be done in accordance with the procedures followed by the Supreme Court with respect to the editing, publishing and distribution of its opinions and decisions.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-670 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 14-5-670
SECTION 14-5-670. Terms of court in fifth circuit.
Status: in_force

The courts of the fifth judicial circuit shall be held as hereinafter provided. (1) Kershaw County. - The court of general sessions for Kershaw County shall be held at Camden on the third Monday in February, the third Monday in May and the fourth Monday in October. The court of common pleas for said county shall be held at Camden on the fourth Monday in February, the first Monday in May and the first Monday in November. The terms of the court of common pleas shall continue for two weeks each. (2) Richland County. - The court of general sessions for Richland County shall be held at Columbia on the second Monday in January for two weeks, on the second Monday in April for two weeks, on the third Monday in June for two weeks, on the Tuesday following the first Monday in September for three weeks and on the second Monday in December for two weeks. The court of common pleas for the county shall be held in Columbia on the fourth Monday in January for two weeks, on the second Monday in March for three weeks, on the first Monday in June for two weeks, on the fourth Monday in September for three weeks and on the third Monday in November for three weeks, two weeks of which shall be for the disposal of jury matters and the other week, which includes Thanksgiving Day, for the disposal of motions, equity matters and other matters not requiring the attendance of a jury. (3) Additional terms for certain matters. - In addition to the terms of court hereinbefore set forth, there shall be held additional terms of court, without juries, to hear equity matters and all matters not requiring jury trials, such terms to be held as follows: (a) Richland County: On the third Monday in February, on the third Monday in May and on the fourth Monday in October, each for one week; and (b) Kershaw County: On the second Monday in January, on the second Monday in April and on the second Monday in September, each for one week. The terms of court provided for in this paragraph (3) shall be presided over by a judge other than the regularly assigned judge, to be selected by the Chief Justice from the regular or retired circuit judges, or he may select a special judge, qualified by law, to hold such terms. The terms of court provided for in this paragraph (3), if found at any time to be unnecessary, shall be called off as the law now provides for other terms.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-23-250 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 23 / Article 3 / Section 14-23-250
SECTION 14-23-250. Jurisdiction once acquired is exclusive.
Status: in_force

When any probate court shall have first taken cognizance of the settlement of the estate of a deceased person, such court shall have jurisdiction of the disposition and settlement of all the personal estate of such deceased person to the exclusion of all other probate courts.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-260 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 14-7-260
SECTION 14-7-260. Number of jurors to be drawn and summoned.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise expressly provided, the jury commissioners shall draw and summon at least seventy-five persons to serve as petit jurors to attend at one and the same time at any court. The chief administrative judge or the presiding judge of that circuit may increase or decrease the number of jurors drawn and summoned if he considers it necessary; however, at least seventy-five jurors must be drawn and summoned. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION14-7-260 was titled Drawings in counties containing a city of more than 70,000, and had the following history: 1962 Code SECTION 38-64; 1952 Code SECTION 38-64; 1942 Code SECTION 611; 1932 Code SECTION 611; Civ. P. '22 SECTION 551; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 4020; 1902 (23) 1066; 1939 (41) 27; 1941 (42) 22, 70; 1943 (43) 263; omitted by 1986 Act No. 340, SECTION 1.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-280 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 17 / Article 3 / Section 14-17-280
SECTION 14-17-280. Clerk shall permit entry of satisfaction of judgments and mortgages.
Status: in_force

The clerk or the register of deeds, as the case may be, in whose office any judgment or mortgage may be of record, on the receipt of the fees, shall permit any judgment creditor or his or her attorney or any mortgagee, as the case may be, to enter satisfaction thereof. Or if any judge shall order satisfaction of any such judgment or mortgage the clerk shall enter of record such satisfaction accordingly.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-31-40 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 31 / Section 14-31-40
SECTION 14-31-40. Mental health court program established; appointment of mental health judges; civil liability protection and immunities.
Status: in_force

(A)(1)(a) Except as provided in item (2), each circuit solicitor may establish a mental health court program under one of the formats defined in Section 14-31-30. An offender arrested or convicted for any charges, except those excluded under the provisions of Section 16-1-130, who are suffering from a diagnosed, or diagnosable mental illness, including those with a co-concurring disorder of substance abuse, may be eligible for referral to a mental health court program. In cases involving victims, proper notice shall be given to victims pursuant to Section 16-3-1525. Proper notice to a victim is not achieved unless reasonable attempts are made to contact the victim and the victim is either nonresponsive or cannot be located after a reasonable search. (b) Each circuit solicitor that accepts state funding for the implementation of a mental health treatment court program must establish and administer at least one mental health court program for the circuit within one hundred eighty days of receipt of funding. The circuit solicitor must administer the program and ensure that all eligible persons are permitted to apply for admission to the program. (2) Mental health court programs established pursuant to an administrative order issued by the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court shall continue to operate pursuant to the terms and conditions of the court's orders pertaining to that mental health court program. To the extent that provisions contained in this chapter conflict with provisions contained in those Supreme Court administrative orders, the provisions of the administrative orders shall control. (B) The Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court shall appoint all mental health court judges for mental health courts operating pursuant to subsection (A)(1) and (2). Service as a mental health court judge shall be at the pleasure of the Chief Justice and shall be subject to any limitations and directives issued by the Chief Justice. In order to be appointed as a mental health court judge, a person must be a probate judge, a summary court judge, or an active or retired member of the state's unified judicial system. Service as a mental health court judge is voluntary. (C) Mental health court judges are entitled to the same protections from civil liability and immunities as judicial office holders in this State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-140 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 14-7-140
SECTION 14-7-140. Use of computer for drawing and summoning jurors.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the clerk of court or deputy clerk of court of a county, when drawing and summoning jurors for the court of common pleas, general sessions, or the grand jury, may utilize a computer for this purpose at the discretion of the governing body of the county. Computer software employed for the purpose of drawing and summoning jurors must be designed so as to ensure a random selection of jurors from the population available for jury service. The computerized drawing and summoning of jurors must take place in the office of the clerk of court as a public event to ensure the absolute integrity of the random selection process. The Supreme Court shall direct by order the appropriate procedures required to implement the provisions of this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-110 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-110
SECTION 14-1-110. Effect on process pending in any court of failure of court to sit on day appointed by law.
Status: in_force

No process pending in any court shall be discontinued for or by reason of the failure to hold the court upon the day appointed by law. In such case all suits, process, matters and things depending shall be made to the next succeeding court in course in the same manner as if such succeeding court had been the same court to which such process stood continued or such returns or appearances should have been made. And recognizances, bonds and obligations for appearances and all returns shall be of the same force and validity for the appearance of any person at such succeeding court and all summonses for witnesses as effectual as if the succeeding court had been expressly mentioned therein.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-10 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 14-7-10
SECTION 14-7-10. Rules of construction.
Status: in_force

The rule of common law that statutes in derogation of that law are to be strictly construed has no application to any of the provisions of this chapter other than those of Article 13 hereof and Sections 14-7-840, 14-7-860, 14-7-1100 and 14-7-1110.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-920 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 14-5-920
SECTION 14-5-920. Calling of special session by presiding judge; designation of judge to hold court.
Status: in_force

Whenever it shall satisfactorily appear to any circuit judge that the public interest requires the holding of a special session of the court of general sessions or common pleas in any county in which he is at the time presiding over the court then in session such circuit judge may order a special session of the court of general sessions or common pleas to be held for such county at such time and for such term and such notice of the holding thereof shall be given as he may by order provide, which order shall be entered upon the records of the clerk of such court. And when such special session is so ordered only the circuit judge ordering the same shall hold the court, unless he be incapacitated to do so because of his illness or the illness of some member of his immediate family or because of any other reason considered sufficient in the opinion of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and in that event the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall order some other disengaged circuit judge or special judge to hold such court.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-235 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-235
SECTION 14-1-235. Appointment of attorney in civil action.
Status: in_force

A judge, court, or court official shall not appoint an attorney to represent a party in a civil action unless the authority to make the appointment is provided specifically by statute.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-200 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-200
SECTION 14-1-200. Establishment of salaries of Supreme Court Justices, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, and Family Court judges.
Status: in_force

The General Assembly shall establish the salary of the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court in the annual general appropriation act with the salary of the Chief Justice to be one hundred five percent of the salary fixed for Associate Justices of the Supreme Court and shall fix the salaries for the court of appeals, circuit court, and family court according to the following schedule: (1) The chief judge of the court of appeals shall receive a salary in an amount equal to ninety-nine percent of the salary fixed for Associate Justices of the Supreme Court; (2) Judges of the court of appeals shall receive a salary in an amount equal to ninety-seven and one-half percent of the salary fixed for Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and circuit court judges shall receive a salary in an amount equal to ninety-five percent of the salary fixed for Associate Justices of the Supreme Court; (3) Judges of the family court shall receive a salary in an amount equal to ninety-two and one-half percent of the salary fixed for Associate Justices of the Supreme Court. Editor's Note 1996 Act No. 458, Part II, SECTION 25B, eff July 1, 1996, provides as follows: "One-half of the increase in the salaries of justices and judges provided for in the amendment to Section 14-1-200 of the 1976 Code in subsection A of this section takes effect on July 1, 1997, and one-half of such increase takes effect on July 1, 1998."
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-710 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 14-5-710
SECTION 14-5-710. Terms of court in seventh circuit.
Status: in_force

The courts of the seventh judicial circuit shall be held as hereinafter provided. (1) Cherokee County. - The court of common pleas for Cherokee County shall be held at Gaffney on the first Monday of March for two weeks, on the first Monday of May for two weeks, and on the first Monday of November for two weeks. The court of general sessions for Cherokee County shall be held at Gaffney on the third Monday of March for one week, on the third Monday of May for one week, on the second Monday of September for two weeks, and on the third Monday of November for two weeks. (2) Spartanburg County. - The court of common pleas for Spartanburg County shall be held at Spartanburg on the fourth Monday in January for three weeks, on the fourth Monday of March for four weeks, on the fourth Monday of May for three weeks, on the third Monday of July for one week (other than for jury trials), and on the fourth Monday of September for three weeks. The court of general sessions for Spartanburg County shall be held at Spartanburg on the second Monday of January for two weeks, on the fourth Monday of February for one week, on the fourth Monday after the fourth Monday of March for one week, on the third Monday after the fourth Monday of May for one week, and on the third Monday after the fourth Monday of September for three weeks.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-720 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 17 / Article 7 / Section 14-17-720
SECTION 14-17-720. Disposition of certain fines, penalties, and taxes.
Status: in_force

All fines and penalties imposed and collected by the circuit court of general sessions in criminal causes shall be forthwith turned over by the clerk of such court to the county treasurer of the county wherein the same are imposed; provided, that when, by law, any person is entitled as informer to any portion of the fine or penalty imposed and collected the same shall be immediately paid over to him. They shall also pay, monthly, to the county treasurers of their respective counties, for the use of the State, all such moneys as may have come into their hands as taxes from persons representing, publicly, plays and shows within the limits of their counties.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-3-390 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 14-3-390
SECTION 14-3-390. Assignment of circuit judges by roster; interchange of circuits among judges.
Status: in_force

Between the first and fifteenth days of December in each year the Chief Justice or, in his absence or inability to attend, the senior associate justice shall form a roster of the circuit judges of the several circuits in order to arrange a regular and continuous assignment and interchange of circuits among such judges and make an order assigning the several circuit judges to hold the several circuit courts in all of the circuits of the State for the whole of the succeeding year in such order as will effect a continuous interchange of circuits according to such numerical series.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-120 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-120
SECTION 14-1-120. Case continued on adjournment.
Status: in_force

All causes depending on the docket and undetermined at any adjournment to the court in course shall stand continued in the same order to such court as fully as if such causes were called over and continued by order of court.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-50 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-50
SECTION 14-1-50. Common law of England continues in effect.
Status: in_force

All, and every part, of the common law of England, where it is not altered by the Code or inconsistent with the Constitution or laws of this State, is hereby continued in full force and effect in the same manner as before the adoption of this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1550 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 13 / Section 14-7-1550
SECTION 14-7-1550. Authority of grand jury foreman to swear witnesses; procedures to obtain attendance of witnesses.
Status: in_force

The foreman of the grand jury or acting foreman in the circuit courts of any county of the State may swear the witnesses whose names shall appear on the bill of indictment in the grand jury room. No witnesses shall be sworn except those who have been bound over or subpoenaed in the manner provided by law. In order to obtain attendance of any witness, the grand jury may proceed as provided by the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and Sections 19-9-10 through 19-9-130.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1910 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 17 / Section 14-7-1910
SECTION 14-7-1910. Six month terms with possible additional term; drawing of member names; maximum terms.
Status: in_force

(A) Grand jurors shall serve terms of six months and may be held over for one additional six-month term. (B) During the last term of the court of general sessions held in each county before December thirty-first of each year, the clerk of court shall randomly draw from the twelve members serving their first six-month term on the grand jury the names of six of the grand jurors who have not served two consecutive six-month terms. Those six members together with twelve grand jurors selected in the manner prescribed in this article shall constitute the grand jury for the six-month period beginning on January first of the succeeding year and ending on June thirtieth of that year. (C) During the last term of the court of general sessions held in each county before July first of each year, the clerk of court shall randomly draw from the twelve members serving their first six-month term on the grand jury the names of six of the grand jurors who have not served two consecutive six-month terms. Those six members together with twelve grand jurors selected in the manner prescribed in this article shall constitute the grand jury for the ensuing period beginning on July first and ending on December thirty-first of that year. (D) The drawing of these names by the clerk of court has the same force and effect as if the names of the six grand jurors had been drawn in the presence of the presiding judge. (E) No person shall serve as a grand juror for more than two consecutive six-month terms.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-110 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 14-7-110
SECTION 14-7-110. Summoning of jurors by clerk of the court of common pleas.
Status: in_force

The clerk of the court of common pleas of each county in this State shall perform the duties provided in this article for the summoning of jurors.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-3-840 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Article 7 / Section 14-3-840
SECTION 14-3-840. Distribution of reports.
Status: in_force

The Legislative Council shall distribute the copies of the reports of the decisions of the Supreme Court purchased by the State as follows: (1) To the offices of the Governor, of the Attorney General of the State and of the Attorney General of the United States, to each circuit judge of the State, to the library of the Supreme Court of the United States, to the clerk of the circuit court of appeals of the United States for the fourth circuit, to the library of the University of South Carolina, to the Charleston Library Society and to the clerks of the district courts of the United States for the districts of South Carolina, one copy each; (2) To the library of the Supreme Court of this State, eight copies; and (3) To every state and territory of the United States from which the State receives two or more copies of each volume of its law reports, two copies each and to every other state and territory of the United States, one copy each. All copies of South Carolina Reports not otherwise disposed of and not distributed under the provisions of this section shall be retained in the office of the Legislative Council for the use of this State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-650 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 14-5-650
SECTION 14-5-650. Terms of court in fourth circuit.
Status: in_force

The courts of the fourth judicial circuit shall be held as follows: (1) Courts of general sessions. - At Chesterfield for Chesterfield County on the first Monday in February, the third Monday in May and the second Monday in October; at Bennettsville for Marlboro County on the second Monday in February, the first Monday in May and the second Monday in November; at Darlington for Darlington County on the third Monday in February, the second Monday in April, the third Monday in June and the third Monday in September; and at Dillon for Dillon County on the second Monday in March, the first Monday in June and the fourth Monday in September. (2) Courts of common pleas. - At Chesterfield for Chesterfield County on the first Monday in January, the third Monday in April, the fourth Monday in May, the first Monday in September, the fourth Monday in November for two weeks; at Bennettsville for Marlboro County on the fourth Monday in January, the first Monday in March, the first Monday in April, the second Monday in May, the first Monday in October and the second Monday in December; at Darlington for Darlington County on the second Monday in January for two weeks, the third Monday in March for two weeks, the fourth Monday in April, the fourth Monday in June, the fourth Monday in October for two weeks; at Dillon for Dillon County on the fourth Monday in February, the second Monday in June, the second Monday in September, the third Monday in October and the third Monday in November. Provided, that when New Year's Day falls on the first Monday in January, the January term of the court of common pleas for Chesterfield County shall convene on the first Tuesday; provided, further, that the September term of the court of common pleas for Chesterfield County shall convene on the first Tuesday; and provided, further, that when Thanksgiving falls within the week of the fourth Monday in November, the November term of the court of common pleas for Chesterfield County shall adjourn for that week on Wednesday. (3) Use of portion of May or June term of court of common pleas in all four counties in the circuit by court of general sessions. - In all four counties in the circuit when matters before the court of common pleas during the circuit court term in May or June have been disposed of, the balance of the term may be used by the court of general sessions to dispose of matters brought before it.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-11-130 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 14-11-130
SECTION 14-11-130. Power to compel attendance of witnesses and to punish for contempt.
Status: in_force

The master may compel the attendance of witnesses before him and punish for any contempt.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-360 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 14-5-360
SECTION 14-5-360. Powers when temporarily absent from circuit.
Status: in_force

Circuit judges may grant orders and decrees in cases arising in the circuit in which they may be at the time the presiding judges therein or resident judges thereof, when they are temporarily absent from the circuit. This provision shall not be construed so as to nullify or limit any other powers conferred on circuit judges.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1080 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 9 / Section 14-7-1080
SECTION 14-7-1080. Effect of jury's delay in rendering verdict.
Status: in_force

Should the jury charged with any case be delayed in rendering its verdict so that it could not be present to be drawn from in making the list to form a second jury, then the clerk shall present to the parties or their attorneys a list containing the names of twenty jurors to be drawn by the clerk from the remaining jurors in the manner provided in Section 14-7-1050, from which list the parties or their attorneys shall alternately strike, as provided in Section 14-7-1050 until twelve are left who shall constitute the jury. Editor's Note Provisions relative to impaneling a jury in default cases or in cases where the right to strike a jury has been waived, which formerly appeared in this section, can now be found in SECTION 14-7-1090.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-23-40 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 14-23-40
SECTION 14-23-40. Bond and oaths.
Status: in_force

Judges of probate before receiving their commission shall take the constitutional oath of office and the additional oaths required of such officers by Section 8-3-20 and shall enter into bond in the sum of five thousand dollars, conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office, which shall be duly executed, approved, certified, recorded and filed as prescribed in Chapter 3 of Title 8. They shall qualify within thirty days after the election is declared. Editor's Note Attention is directed to the fact that the bond requirements of this section have been superseded by SECTION 14-23-1050.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-110 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 14-5-110
SECTION 14-5-110. Qualification by circuit judge.
Status: in_force

The circuit judges of this State, upon their election, shall qualify by taking the oath required by the Constitution of this State before a justice of the Supreme Court, the President of the Senate, the Speaker or Speaker Emeritus of the House of Representatives, a circuit judge, a clerk of the Supreme Court, a clerk of the court of common pleas or a probate judge of the county, and shall forthwith enter upon their duties. Such oath must be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. Terms of office for all circuit judges elected after January 1, 1977, shall commence as of July first of the year in which they are elected.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-8-430 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 8 / Article V / Section 14-8-430
SECTION 14-8-430. Supreme Court to promulgate rules.
Status: in_force

Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 14-3-940 and 14-3-950, the Supreme Court may establish and promulgate such rules as may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this article and to facilitate the work of the Court of Appeals.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1690 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 15 / Section 14-7-1690
SECTION 14-7-1690. Notification of expansion of areas of inquiry.
Status: in_force

Once a state grand jury has entered into a term, the Attorney General or solicitor, in the appropriate case, may notify the presiding judge in writing as often as is necessary and appropriate that the state grand jury's areas of inquiry have been expanded or additional areas of inquiry have been added thereto.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-510 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 17 / Article 5 / Section 14-17-510
SECTION 14-17-510. Record of court proceedings; filing papers; preservation of papers and property.
Status: in_force

The clerk shall make a full, fair and correct entry and record of the proceedings of the courts and other matters pertaining to his office in the various books required to be kept, conforming to the mode prescribed by law, order of the court or usage of the office. He shall file in their proper order original papers in causes instituted or other authorized proceedings and preserve with care all papers, books and furniture pertaining to or connected with his office.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1670 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 15 / Section 14-7-1670
SECTION 14-7-1670. Appointment of foreman and deputy foreman.
Status: in_force

The presiding judge shall appoint one of the jurors to be foreman and another to be deputy foreman. During the absence of the foreman, the deputy foreman shall act as foreman.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-120 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 14-7-120
SECTION 14-7-120. Vacancy or disqualification in office of jury commissioner.
Status: in_force

If there is a vacancy in the office of the clerk of court of common pleas, county auditor, or county treasurer at the time fixed for preparing the jury list or for drawing a jury or if any of these officers are disqualified or unable to serve for any reason, the county judge of probate shall act in his place and stead and if there is a vacancy in two of these offices or for any other reason two of these officers are unable to serve, the county judge of probate and the sheriff of the county shall act in their places and stead. If from among the officers above named there are not three persons in office qualified and able to serve, the resident circuit judge or the presiding judge shall appoint a commissioner or commissioners to serve in the place of the commissioner or commissioners as may be disqualified during the time of his or their disqualification. Each of the substitute commissioners shall receive the same per diem and mileage as is paid jurors.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-30 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 14-17-30
SECTION 14-17-30. Vacancies; when probate judge shall act.
Status: in_force

In the event of any vacancy in the office of clerk the Governor shall have full power to fill it by appointment as provided in Section 4-11-20. Until such vacancy be filled by appointment or election the judge of probate of the county shall take charge of the office and all of the papers therein, discharge the duties and receive the fees thereof, and be subject to all its liabilities as provided by law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-9-140 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 9 / Section 14-9-140
SECTION 14-9-140. Terms.
Status: in_force

The county court shall hold its first term on the first Monday in the calendar month next succeeding the election and qualification of the county judge and shall hold a term beginning on the first Monday in every alternate month thereafter; provided, that should the time at which any term of any such court is fixed conflict with the time of holding the circuit court for the county then the term of the county court shall begin on the Monday succeeding the time for the final adjournment of the circuit court. The county court shall continue in session at each of its terms until the business before it has been disposed of. It shall be open for the trial of cases, civil and criminal, from the beginning to the end of each of its terms.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1540 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 13 / Section 14-7-1540
SECTION 14-7-1540. Drawing of grand jurors and alternates.
Status: in_force

After the grand jury venire has been duly qualified by the presiding judge, the clerk of court shall place the names of all qualified grand jurors in a container from which twelve grand jurors must be chosen. The clerk of court shall randomly draw twelve jurors from the container, and those twelve jurors drawn shall serve as grand jurors, together with those grand jurors selected as provided under Section 14-7-1510(A). The clerk of court shall randomly draw three or more additional jurors, with those three or more jurors serving as alternate grand jurors in the event one or more of the original grand jurors are incapacitated, excused, or disqualified during their term. The names of the alternate grand jurors must be kept separate and numbered in the order drawn and in this order, unless excused by the presiding judge, shall serve when necessary. The remainder of the grand jury venire may be discharged.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-25-65 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 25 / Article 1 / Section 14-25-65
SECTION 14-25-65. Maximum penalties that court may impose; restitution; contempt.
Status: in_force

(A) If a municipal judge finds a party guilty of violating a municipal ordinance or a state law within the jurisdiction of the court, he may impose a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for thirty days, or both. In addition, a municipal judge may order restitution in an amount not to exceed the civil jurisdictional amount of magistrates court provided in Section 22-3-10(2). In determining the amount of restitution, the judge shall determine and itemize the actual amount of damage or loss in the order. In addition, the judge may set an appropriate payment schedule. (B) A municipal judge may hold a party in contempt for failure to pay the restitution ordered if the judge finds the party has the ability to pay. In addition, a municipal judge may convert any unpaid restitution, fines, costs, fees, surcharges, and assessments to a civil judgment as provided in Section 17-25-323(C). Editor's Note This section contains provisions dealing with matters formerly dealt with by SECTION 14-25-50.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-170 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-170
SECTION 14-1-170. Filing of undertakings.
Status: in_force

The various undertakings required to be given by this Title must be filed with the clerk of the court, unless the court expressly provides for a different disposition thereof.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-30 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-30
SECTION 14-1-30. "Personal property" defined.
Status: in_force

The words "personal property," as used in this Title, include money, goods, chattels, things in action and evidences of debt.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-25-35 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 25 / Article 1 / Section 14-25-35
SECTION 14-25-35. Appointment and duties of clerk of court.
Status: in_force

The municipal clerk or other municipal employee may be appointed to serve as clerk of the court. The clerk of the court shall keep such records and make such reports as may be determined by the State Court Administrator.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-11-60 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 14-11-60
SECTION 14-11-60. Appointment of special referee.
Status: in_force

In case of a vacancy in the office of master-in-equity or in case of the disqualification or disability of the master-in-equity from interest or any other reason for which cause can be shown the presiding circuit court judge, upon agreement of the parties, may appoint a special referee in any case who as to the case has all the powers of a master-in-equity. The special referee must be compensated by the parties involved in the action.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-23-1050 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 23 / Article 9 / Section 14-23-1050
SECTION 14-23-1050. Bond.
Status: in_force

Each judge of probate and associate probate judge shall, before assuming the duties of that office, enter into bond in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of such office, which bond shall be executed and filed as prescribed in Chapter 3 of Title 8 of the 1976 Code.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-190 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 14-5-190
SECTION 14-5-190. Assignment or appointment when Chief Justice is not available.
Status: in_force

Should there be a vacancy in the office of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or in case of his absence from the State or of his illness or incapacity from whatever cause, then the power and authority vested and the duties imposed upon the Chief Justice by the provisions of Sections 14-5-160 to 14-5-180 shall be exercised and discharged by the senior associate justice of the Supreme Court in point of service who is at the time within the State and is not ill or otherwise incapacitated and his acts in exercising such powers and discharging such duties shall be as effectual as though performed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-360 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 17 / Article 3 / Section 14-17-360
SECTION 14-17-360. Clerk shall furnish official certificates to certain officers.
Status: in_force

When any sheriff, coroner, magistrate or constable shall be required to obtain the official certificate of any clerk to his contingent account, specifying any matters required by law to be certified, the clerk shall furnish such certificates, according to the facts, upon application and payment of fees.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-70 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-70
SECTION 14-1-70. Designation of the several courts of the State.
Status: in_force

The following are courts of justice in this State: (1) the court for trial of impeachments; (2) the Supreme Court; (3) the court of appeals; (4) the circuit courts, to wit: (a) a court of common pleas and (b) a court of general sessions; (5) probate courts; (6) the family courts; (7) magistrates' courts; and (8) municipal courts.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-8-400 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 8 / Article V / Section 14-8-400
SECTION 14-8-400. Terms of Court; order of docketing.
Status: in_force

Subject to the supervision of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Chief Judge shall set the terms of court of the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court shall by rule prescribe and provide the order in which cases shall be docketed and heard.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-760 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 14-5-760
SECTION 14-5-760. Terms of court in eleventh circuit.
Status: in_force

The courts of the eleventh judicial circuit shall be held as hereinafter provided. (1) Edgefield County. - The court of general sessions for Edgefield County shall be held at Edgefield on the first Monday in March, the second Monday in July, and the fourth Monday in October. The court of common pleas shall be held at Edgefield on the second Monday in March, the fourth Monday in June, and the first Monday in November. Each of these terms shall be for one week. (2) Lexington County. - The court of general sessions for Lexington County shall be held at Lexington on the third Monday in January, the fourth Monday in May, and the Tuesday following the first Monday in September. Each term of the court of general sessions shall be for two weeks. The court of common pleas shall be held at Lexington on the first Monday in April, the third Monday in September and the fourth Monday in November. Each of the terms of the court of common pleas shall be for three weeks, except the term beginning the first Monday in April, which shall be for four weeks. (3) McCormick County. - The court of general sessions for McCormick County shall be held at McCormick on the first Monday in February, the second Monday in February, the second Monday in June, the third Monday in June, the second Monday in October and the third Monday in October. Each term shall be for one week. If a full week during any term is not required to conclude the work of the court of general sessions, the court of common pleas shall be held for the remainder of such term. (4) Saluda County. - The court of general sessions in Saluda County shall be held at Saluda on the fourth Monday in February, the third Monday in May and the third Monday in November. The court of common pleas shall be held immediately following each term of general sessions court as follows: on the fourth Monday in February, the third Monday in May and the third Monday in November. Each of these terms shall be for one week.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-11-20 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 14-11-20
SECTION 14-11-20. Appointment of master-in-equity; term.
Status: in_force

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2-19-110, masters-in-equity must be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the General Assembly for a term of six years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. No person is eligible to hold the office of master-in-equity who is not at the time of his appointment a citizen of the United States and of this State, has not attained the age of thirty-two years upon his appointment, has not been a licensed attorney for at least eight years upon his appointment, has not been a resident of this State for five years immediately preceding his appointment, and has not been found qualified by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. Each master-in-equity of this State qualifies by taking the oath required by the Constitution of this State before a justice of the Supreme Court, a judge of the Court of Appeals, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a circuit judge, the Clerk of the Supreme Court, a clerk of the court of common pleas, or a probate judge of the county and immediately enters upon his duties. The oath must be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. A full-time master-in-equity is prohibited from engaging in the practice of law. A part-time master-in-equity may practice law but is prohibited from appearing before another master-in-equity. A standing master-in-equity may not serve as the probate judge of any county.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-11-85 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 14-11-85
SECTION 14-11-85. Appeal from final judgment of master-in-equity.
Status: in_force

When some or all of the causes of action in a case are referred to a master-in-equity or special referee, the master or referee shall enter final judgment as to those causes of action, and an appeal from an order or judgment of the master or referee must be to the Supreme Court or the court of appeals as provided by the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules. A matter may not be referred to a master or referee for the purpose of making a report to the circuit court. Editor's Note 1989 Act No. 36, SECTION 2, effective April 3, 1989, provides as follows: "This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and is effective with respect to all appeals from final judgments entered by a master after July 25, 1988."
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1650 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 15 / Section 14-7-1650
SECTION 14-7-1650. Duties and obligations of Attorney General; recusal; motion to disqualify.
Status: in_force

(A) The Attorney General or his designee shall attend sessions of a state grand jury and shall serve as its legal advisor. The Attorney General or his designee shall examine witnesses, present evidence, and draft indictments and reports upon the direction of a state grand jury. (B) In all investigations of the crimes specified in Section 14-7-1630, except in matters where the solicitor(s) or his staff are the subject(s) of such investigation, the Attorney General shall consult with the appropriate solicitor(s) of the jurisdiction(s) where the crime or crimes occurred. After consultation, the Attorney General shall determine whether the investigation should be presented to a county grand jury or whether to initiate, under Section 14-7-1630(B), a state grand jury investigation. (C) When the Attorney General determines that he should recuse himself from participation in a state grand jury investigation and prosecution, the Attorney General may either refer the matter to a solicitor for investigation and prosecution, or remove himself entirely from any involvement in the case and designate a prosecutor to assume his functions and duties pursuant to this article. When a solicitor determines that he should recuse himself from participation in a state grand jury matter, the Attorney General shall conduct such investigation and prosecution but the Attorney General, in his discretion, may designate another solicitor or appoint a special prosecutor not subject to a conflict to handle or assist him in the state grand jury investigation as the Attorney General deems appropriate. (D)(1) A hearing on a motion to disqualify the Attorney General or legal advisor for the state grand jury from a state grand jury investigation shall be held in public, however the presiding judge must conduct the hearing in a manner to insure the secrecy and integrity of the investigation. The presiding judge shall protect the identity of the person or persons being investigated to the extent practicable. In order to disqualify the Attorney General or legal advisor for the state grand jury, the presiding judge must find an actual conflict of interest resulting in actual prejudice against the moving party. If the Attorney General or legal advisor for the state grand jury or a member of the staff is disqualified then the Attorney General must refer the matter to a circuit solicitor for investigation and prosecution. If a circuit solicitor or special prosecutor, or member of their staff, is disqualified, the matter must be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for investigation or prosecution. (2) An order to disqualify the Attorney General or legal advisor for the state grand jury from a state grand jury investigation, issued prior to the issuance of an indictment or arrest warrant, shall not become effective less than ten days after the date issued and notice is given to the opposing parties unless appealed. If an appeal from the order is made, the state grand jury and the Attorney General or legal advisor for the state grand jury, except as is otherwise ordered by the Supreme Court, shall continue to exercise their powers pending disposition of the appeal. The Supreme Court must handle all appeals from this section in an expedited manner. (3) The state grand jury may continue with its investigation and the Attorney General or the solicitor or his designee may continue to serve as legal advisor to the state grand jury with all authority, functions, and responsibilities set forth in this article, until the final order becomes effective or upon the issuance of the final order of the Supreme Court if appealed, whichever occurs later.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-250 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 14-7-250
SECTION 14-7-250. Disposition of names of those who are drawn and serve on a jury pool.
Status: in_force

The names of those who are drawn and attend a session of court as a member of a jury pool must be placed in an envelope and must not be put back into the jury box until the first revision of the jury list provided for after they have been so drawn, to the end that no person is required to serve as a juror more than once in three calendar years. Nothing contained in this article may be construed to be in conflict with the provisions of the law as to selecting by lot from the grand jury six members to serve for the ensuing year. Nothing contained in this article prohibits a person whose name has been properly drawn and who desires to serve as a juror from serving more frequently than once every three calendar years, except that no person shall serve as a juror more than once every calendar year as provided in Section 14-7-850. Editor's Note Provisions requiring that drawings be open and public and requiring notice of drawings, which formerly appeared in this section, can now be found in SECTION 14-7-220.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-23-430 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 23 / Article 3 / Section 14-23-430
SECTION 14-23-430. Form of warrant or process.
Status: in_force

When no form of warrant or process is prescribed by statute or rules of court the probate judge shall frame one in conformity to the rules of law and the usual course of proceedings in this State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-330 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 14-7-330
SECTION 14-7-330. Notice of motion to quash panel because of disqualification of jury commissioners.
Status: in_force

No motion to quash any panel of petit jurors may be made because of any relationship, connection, or other disqualification on the part of the jury commissioners, or any of them, who made up the jury box, unless notice of the motion in writing is given at least ten days before the convening of any court to the adverse party, or his attorney setting forth the ground for the making of the motion. Failure to give notice is considered a waiver of all rights. Editor's Note Provisions relative to preparation of a special jury list and drawing of a special venire or jury in the event that grand or petit jurors have been irregularly drawn or summoned, which formerly appeared in this section, can now be found in SECTION 14-7-290.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1740 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 15 / Section 14-7-1740
SECTION 14-7-1740. Scheduling of activities of state grand jury.
Status: in_force

The Attorney General or his designee shall coordinate the scheduling of activities of any state grand jury.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-290 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 17 / Article 3 / Section 14-17-290
SECTION 14-17-290. Clerk shall enter renewals and satisfactions of executions.
Status: in_force

Whenever any execution shall be returned for renewal or as satisfied by any sheriff the clerk shall enter such renewal or satisfaction in the appropriate column of the abstract book and in case of satisfaction shall enter the same on the original record. It shall not be lawful for the clerk to affix the seal of the court to any renewed execution unless the one previously issued shall have been delivered to him or unless authorized by a judge's order.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-30 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 14-7-30
SECTION 14-7-30. "Clerk" defined.
Status: in_force

The word "clerk," as used in this chapter signifies the clerk of the court where the action is pending, unless otherwise specified.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-3-620 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 14-3-620
SECTION 14-3-620. Order and priority of hearing cases.
Status: in_force

The court may by general rules prescribe and provide the order in which cases shall be docketed and the priority thereof on the calendar except: (1) On a second and each subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court, or when an appeal has once been dismissed for a defect or irregularity, the cause shall be placed upon the calendar as of the time of filing the first appeal and may be noticed and put on the calendar for any succeeding term; (2) Whenever, in any action or proceeding in which the State or any State officer or any board of State officers is or are sole plaintiff or defendant, an appeal has been brought up from any judgment or order for or against him or them in any court such appeal shall have preference in the Supreme Court and may be moved by either party out of the order on the calendar; and (3) An appeal from any order granting, refusing, sustaining, dissolving, modifying or discharging an injunction, or appointing or refusing to appoint a receiver, shall take precedence over other matters.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1700 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 15 / Section 14-7-1700
SECTION 14-7-1700. Record of testimony and other proceedings of grand jury; furnishing of copy to defendant; transcripts, reporter's notes and all other documents to remain in custody and control of Attorney General.
Status: in_force

A court reporter shall record, either stenographically or by use of an electronic recording device, all proceedings except when a state grand jury is deliberating or voting. Subject to the limitations of Section 14-7-1720(A) and (D) and Rule 5, South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure, a defendant has the right to review and to reproduce the stenographically or electronically recorded materials. Transcripts of the recorded testimony or proceedings must be made when requested by the Attorney General or his designee. Subject to the limitations of Section 14-7-1720(A) and (D) and Rule 5, South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure, a copy of the transcript of the recorded testimony or proceedings requested by the Attorney General or his designee shall be provided to the defendant by the court reporter, upon request, at the transcript rate established by the Office of Court Administration. An unintentional failure of any recording to reproduce all or any portion of the testimony or proceedings does not affect the validity of the prosecution. The recording or reporter's notes or any transcript prepared therefrom and all books, papers, records, correspondence, or other documents produced before a state grand jury must remain in the custody and control of the Attorney General or his designee unless otherwise ordered by the court in a particular case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-560 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 17 / Article 5 / Section 14-17-560
SECTION 14-17-560. Size of books required to be kept.
Status: in_force

The books mentioned in Section 14-17-540 shall be of the following sizes, respectively: (1) Court of common pleas journal, general sessions journal, rules and fines and forfeitures, each of the size denominated "Demi," the journals containing not less than six quires each and the other books not less than three quires each; (2) Calendars, sessions index, confessions of judgment before clerk, magistrates' and constables' roll, book of orders appointing receivers of judgment debtors and miscellaneous index, each of the size denominated "Board Cap," the first named containing not less than two quires and the remaining books not less than four quires each; (3) Pleadings and judgments in a volume not less than the size denominated "Medium," containing not less than six quires; (4) Abstract of judgments of the size denominated "Super Royal," containing not less than four quires; and (5) Indexes to the preceding volumes of the size denominated "Long Demi," containing not less than six quires.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1600 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 15 / Section 14-7-1600
SECTION 14-7-1600. Short title; State Grand Jury of South Carolina defined.
Status: in_force

This article may be cited as the "State Grand Jury Act", and any state grand jury which may be convened as provided herein to be known as a "State Grand Jury of South Carolina". Editor's Note Laws 1987 Act No. 150, SECTION 3, provides as follows: "Section 3. This act takes effect upon the ratification of amendments to Article 1 and Article V of the Constitution of this State, permitting the establishment of a state grand jury and indictments to be issued by same.". The amendments to Article I, SECTION 11, and Article V, SECTION 22, of the South Carolina Constitution were ratified and declared to be part of the Constitution on February 8, 1989. See 1989 Act No. 5, SECTIONS 1 and 2, 1989 Act No. 7, SECTION 1, and 1989 Act No. 8, SECTION 1.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-27-20 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 27 / Section 14-27-20
SECTION 14-27-20. Composition.
Status: in_force

The Judicial Council is composed of the following: (1) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina or some other member of the court designated by him or her; (2) the Chief Judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals; (3) two circuit court judges of the State; (4) two family court judges of the State; (5) two probate judges of the State; (6) the Attorney General or one of the Assistant Attorneys General or one of the circuit solicitors; (7) the Dean or a member of the faculty of the Law School of the University of South Carolina; (8) one person recommended by the Charleston School of Law; (9) the President of the South Carolina Bar or his designee; (10) the President of the Senate or his designee; (11) the Speaker of the House of Representatives or his designee; (12) the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee or his designee; (13) the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee or his designee; (14) the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee or his designee; (15) the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee or his designee; (16) the Director of the Legislative Council; (17) six other members, of whom at least four must be members of the bar of this State; (18) two summary court judges: one shall be a magistrate court judge, and one shall be a municipal court judge; and (19) two masters-in-equity. Effect of Amendment 2019 Act No. 1, SECTION 89, in (10), substituted "President of the Senate" for "Lieutenant Governor".
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-31-30 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 31 / Section 14-31-30
SECTION 14-31-30. Definitions.
Status: in_force

The following definitions shall apply to this chapter: (1) "Pre-adjudicatory mental health court program" means a program that allows an offender to expedite the offender's criminal case before conviction and requires successful completion of the mental health court program as part of the agreement. (2) "Post-adjudicatory mental health court program" means a program in which an offender has admitted guilt or has been found guilty and agrees to enter a mental health court program as part of the offender's sentence. (3) "Combination mental health court program" means a mental health court program that includes a pre-adjudicatory mental health court program and a post-adjudicatory mental health court program.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-23-680 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 23 / Article 5 / Section 14-23-680
SECTION 14-23-680. Judge responsible for books, papers, and property of office; transfer to successor; violations.
Status: in_force

Every judge of probate shall be responsible for the books and papers and also for the furniture in his office. Upon his retiring from office or upon his death, he or his representatives shall be bound to transfer the same to his successor immediately after such successor shall have entered upon the duties of the office, under a penalty of one thousand dollars, to be recovered by indictment, and of imprisonment not exceeding one year.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1770 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 15 / Section 14-7-1770
SECTION 14-7-1770. Sealing of records, orders, and subpoenas.
Status: in_force

Records, orders, and subpoenas relating to state grand jury proceedings must be kept under seal to the extent and for that time as is necessary to prevent disclosure of matters occurring before a state grand jury.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-90 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-90
SECTION 14-1-90. Chief Justice of Supreme Court is administrative head; powers and duties; vacancy.
Status: in_force

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall be the administrative head of all courts in this State. He shall examine the administrative methods, systems and activities of the courts and their employees, examine the dockets of the several courts and require the courts and their employees to furnish to him such information as may be appropriate to assist in the administration of the courts. Within the framework of the requirements of Section 14-3-390, he shall make all assignments of duties for the circuit judges and may, from time to time, transfer a circuit judge from one assignment to another, as such judge's regularly assigned duties will permit and as the need appears. He shall have the right to call additional terms of court, to assign more than one judge to a circuit, if such additional judge's regularly assigned duties will permit and if need appears, and generally to supervise the calendars of trial courts in the interest of the better administration of justice. In the event that there is a vacancy in the position of Chief Justice or for any reason the Chief Justice is unable to act, the powers and functions provided in this section shall be exercised by the senior associate justice. Editor's Note 2023 Act No. 56, SECTION 4, provides as follows: "SECTION 4. The South Carolina Court Administration shall create a form for judges to use to request a state or local government agency restrict public access or posting of personal contact information. The form must contain fields for the following information: legal name, date of birth, home address, driver's license number, personal email address, dates of service, status of service, and an exception section to notify a state or local government agency of rescission of the request to protect personal contact information and to permit disclosure of personal contact information for a specific purpose and for a limited time."
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-3-140 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 14-3-140
SECTION 14-3-140. Expenses of court; payment upon approval and order.
Status: in_force

The amounts specified for expenses connected with the Supreme Court shall be paid upon the approval and order of the Chief Justice.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-25-85 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 25 / Article 1 / Section 14-25-85
SECTION 14-25-85. Disposition of fines and penalties.
Status: in_force

All fines and penalties collected by the municipal court shall be forthwith turned over by the clerk to the treasurer of the municipality for which such court is held. Editor's Note This section contains provisions dealing with matters formerly dealt with by SECTION 14-25-70.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-910 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 14-5-910
SECTION 14-5-910. Special session may be ordered when public interest requires.
Status: in_force

Whenever the public interest shall require the holding of a special session of the court of general sessions or the court of common pleas in any county of the State and such fact satisfactorily appears (a) by petition of the solicitor of the judicial circuit in which such county is situate in the case of the court of general sessions or (b) by petition of a majority of the members of the bar of such county in the case of the court of common pleas, such petitions having been first approved by the resident circuit judge or the circuit judge last presiding in such county and duly filed with the clerk of the Supreme Court, a special session of the court of general sessions or common pleas may be ordered for any such county by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The special session of court so ordered shall be held at such time and for such term and such notice of the holding thereof shall be given as may be provided in the order therefor, which shall be transmitted to and filed by the clerk of court of the county.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-8-40 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 8 / Article I / Section 14-8-40
SECTION 14-8-40. Oath of office.
Status: in_force

The judges of the Court shall qualify within twelve months after the date of their election by taking the constitutional oath or the office shall be declared vacant by the Governor. The oath shall be administered by a justice of the Supreme Court, a judge of the Court of Appeals, or by a circuit court judge.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-750 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 14-5-750
SECTION 14-5-750. Terms of court in tenth circuit.
Status: in_force

The courts of the tenth judicial circuit shall be held as hereinafter provided. (1) Anderson County. - The court of general sessions for Anderson County shall be held at Anderson on the first Monday in February for two weeks, the second Monday in May for two weeks, the first Monday in September for two weeks and the third Monday in November for two weeks. The court of common pleas for the county shall be held at Anderson on the second Monday in January for three weeks, the second Monday in March for three weeks, the second Monday in April for two weeks, the second Monday in June for two weeks, the first Monday in October for three weeks and the first Monday in December for two weeks. (2) Oconee County. - The court of general sessions for Oconee County shall be held at Walhalla on the fourth Monday in February, the week immediately following the May term of the court of common pleas and the first Monday in November. The court of common pleas for the county shall be at Walhalla on the third Monday in February, the fourth Monday in May and the third Monday in September.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-180 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 14-5-180
SECTION 14-5-180. Assignment of disengaged circuit judge or appointment of special judge when docket is overcrowded.
Status: in_force

Whenever the time fixed for holding any of the courts of general sessions or common pleas of this State shall be found not sufficient for the trial of all cases before the court, a like assignment of a disengaged circuit judge or commission of a special judge may be had to hold the court to which the judge then holding such overcrowded court may have been in due course next assigned and the term of such overcrowded court shall proceed until the cases before it are disposed of.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-630 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 14-5-630
SECTION 14-5-630. Terms of court in second circuit.
Status: in_force

The courts of the second judicial circuit shall be held as hereinafter provided. (1) Aiken County. - The court of general sessions for Aiken County shall be held at Aiken on the second Monday in January for two weeks, the first Monday in May for three weeks and the first Monday in October for two weeks. The court of common pleas for the county shall be held at Aiken on the fourth Monday in January for a term of two weeks, on the fourth Monday in February for a term of two weeks, on the second Monday in April for a term of one week, on the third Monday in June for a term of two weeks and on the first Monday in November for a term of three weeks; provided, if Thanksgiving Day occurs during the third week of the session, the last week of the term shall be held during the following week. (2) Bamberg County. - The court of general sessions for Bamberg County shall be held at Bamberg on the third Monday in February for a term of one week and on the second Monday in September for a term of one week. The court of common pleas for the county shall be held at Bamberg on the third Monday in April for a term of two weeks, on the second Monday in July for a term of one week and on the third Monday in October for a term of two weeks. Immediately upon the conclusion of the business of the court of common pleas during the term commencing on the second Monday in July the court of general sessions shall open and the petit jurors drawn to serve in the court of common pleas shall serve as petit jurors in the court of general sessions and any and all business may be transacted during the July term as may be done during any other term of court of general sessions. (3) Barnwell County. - The court of general sessions for Barnwell County shall be held at Barnwell on the second Monday in February for a term of one week, on the fourth Monday in May for a term of one week and on the third Monday in September for a term of one week. The court of common pleas of the county shall be held at Barnwell on the second Monday in March for a term of two weeks, on the first Monday in June for a term of two weeks, immediately upon the conclusion of the business of the court of general sessions in September for the remainder of the week, and on the first Monday in December for a term of two weeks. Immediately upon the conclusion of the business of the court of general sessions in September, the court of common pleas shall open, and the petit jurors drawn to serve in the court of general sessions shall serve as petit jurors in the court of common pleas, and any and all business may be transacted during the September term as may be done at any other term of the court of common pleas. Provided, the petit jury for this term of the court of common pleas shall not report for service before Wednesday.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-25-5 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 25 / Article 1 / Section 14-25-5
SECTION 14-25-5. Establishment of municipal courts by ordinance; facilities for courts; use of magistrates court by municipality.
Status: in_force

(a) The council of each municipality in this State may, by ordinance, establish a municipal court, which shall be a part of the unified judicial system of this State, for the trial and determination of all cases within its jurisdiction. The ordinance shall provide for the appointment of one or more full-time or part-time judges and the appointment of a clerk. (b) Any municipality establishing a municipal court pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall provide facilities for the use of judicial officers in conducting trials and hearings and shall provide sufficient clerical and nonjudicial support personnel to assist the municipal judge. (c) Any municipality may prosecute any of its cases in any magistrate court in the county in which such municipality is situate upon approval by the governing body of the county. Editor's Note This section contains provisions dealing with matters formerly dealt with by SECTION 14-25-910.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-120 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 14-5-120
SECTION 14-5-120. Salaries of judges.
Status: in_force

The circuit judges shall each receive such annual salary as may be provided by the General Assembly.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-25-250 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 25 / Article 1 / Section 14-25-250
SECTION 14-25-250. Municipal judges shall report disposition of each criminal case.
Status: in_force

(A) Each municipal judge shall report the disposition of each criminal case to the State Law Enforcement Division within five days, weekends and holidays excluded. (B) A municipal judge shall also report to the State Law Enforcement Division, within five days, weekends and holidays excluded, the issuance, rescission, or termination of any: (1) restraining orders and emergency restraining orders; (2) municipal court orders of protection from domestic abuse act orders; (3) orders of state firearms prohibition pursuant to Section 16-25-30; and (4) any other restraining orders, orders of protection, or other orders that prohibit a person from legally purchasing or possessing a firearm, but only upon being directed to transmit such orders by the appropriate judge. For any form orders provided by Court Administration that may require transmission pursuant to this subsection, Court Administration shall include within the form order a checked box option that the judge may select, when appropriate, to order the clerk to transmit the appropriate information to SLED. (C) The reporting required by this section must be in a format approved by the State Law Enforcement Division and Court Administration. Editor's Note 2021 Act No. 66, SECTION 1, provides as follows: "SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the 'Open Carry With Training Act'."
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-31-10 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 31 / Section 14-31-10
SECTION 14-31-10. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as the "Mental Health Court Program Act".
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-180 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 14-7-180
SECTION 14-7-180. Custody of jury box and keys.
Status: in_force

The clerk of the court shall keep the jury box in his custody. The jury box must be kept securely locked with three separate and strong locks, each lock being different and distinct from the other two and requiring one key peculiar to itself in order to be unlocked. The key to one of these three locks must be kept by the county auditor himself, the key to another of these three locks must be kept by the county treasurer himself, and the key to the third of these three locks must be kept by the clerk of the court of common pleas himself, so that no two of them shall keep a similar key or similar keys to the same lock and so that all three of them must be present together at the same time and place in order to lock or unlock and open the jury box. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION14-7-180 was titled List of jurors when jury commissioners fail to prepare list, and had the following history: 1962 Code SECTION 38-57; 1952 Code SECTION 38-57; 1942 Code SECTION 623; 1932 Code SECTION 623; Civ. P. '22 SECTION 563; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 4031; 1905 (24) 917; omitted by 1986 Act No. 340, SECTION 1.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1510 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 13 / Section 14-7-1510
SECTION 14-7-1510. Six grand jurors to be selected for second year; periodic exemption from further service.
Status: in_force

(A) During the last term of the court of general sessions held in each county for any year, the clerk of court shall randomly draw from the twelve members serving their first year on the grand jury the names of six of the grand jurors who, together with twelve grand jurors selected in the manner prescribed in this article, shall constitute the grand jury for the succeeding year. The drawing of these names by the clerk of court has the same force and effect as if the names of the six grand jurors had been drawn in the presence of the presiding judge. (B) No person shall serve as a grand juror for more than two consecutive years. (C) A person completing service as a grand juror under the provisions of this article, including any service as a holdover grand juror, is exempt from any further jury service in any court of this State for a period of five calendar years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-23-620 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 23 / Article 5 / Section 14-23-620
SECTION 14-23-620. Judge shall make search and furnish copies of records; certification; fees.
Status: in_force

The judge of probate, when applied to, shall search for and examine any book, record or paper belonging to his office, shall furnish any person wanting the same with a copy or copies of any part thereof or of the whole or any part of any proceedings touching any estate in his care or custody as judge of probate aforesaid and shall certify the same. For such services he shall be allowed a fee at the rate of nine cents for each copy sheet of ninety words the copy furnished may contain and fifty cents for every certificate he shall so give.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-214 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-214
SECTION 14-1-214. Payment of fines, fees, court costs by credit or debit card.
Status: in_force

(A) Clerks of court, registers of deeds, magistrates, and municipal court judges may: (1) accept payment by credit card or debit card of a fine, fee, assessment, court cost, or other surcharge; and (2) impose a fee for processing payment by credit card. Notwithstanding fees imposed by other provisions of law, the clerk of court, register of deeds, magistrate, and municipal court judge must impose a separate fee on the person making a payment by credit card that wholly offsets the amount of administrative fees charged to the court. (B) If a payment by credit card is not honored by the credit card company on which the funds are drawn, the: (1) court or register of deeds, may collect a service charge from the person who owes the fine, fee, assessment, court cost, or other surcharge. The service charge is an addition to the original fine, fee, assessment, court cost, or other surcharge and is for the collection of that original amount. The amount of the service charge must be the same amount as the fee charged for the collection of a check drawn on an account with insufficient funds; and (2) underlying obligation survives and the state or local government retains all remedies for enforcement which would have applied if the credit card transaction had not occurred. (C) The court or register of deeds, collecting a fee or service charge pursuant to this section must deposit the credit card fee or service charge in the general fund of the court's respective governmental unit. (D) The clerk of court, register of deeds, magistrate, or municipal court judge who accepts payment by credit card or debit card pursuant to this section may refuse acceptance of credit or debit cards of an individual if, the: (1) individual has been convicted of a violation of Chapter 14, Title 16; (2) individual has previously tendered to the court a credit or debit card or credit or debit card information which did not ultimately result in payment by the credit or debit card issuer; (3) bank or credit card issuer does not authorize payment; or (4) validity of the credit or debit card is not verifiable. Editor's Note 2002 Act No. 295, SECTION 3, provides as follows: "This act takes effect July 1, 2002, and applies to the payment of fines, fees, assessments, court costs, and surcharges made on or after that date."
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-9-100 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 9 / Section 14-9-100
SECTION 14-9-100. Appointment and duties of bailiffs.
Status: in_force

The presiding judge of the county court may appoint a sufficient number of bailiffs, not exceeding three, to attend upon the court and be subject to the orders thereof. Such bailiffs shall not be retained in attendance upon the court longer than the exigencies of the business of the court shall require.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-40 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 14-7-40
SECTION 14-7-40. Summoning and empanelling jurors by coroners, clerks, or magistrates not affected.
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this chapter shall affect the power and duty of coroners, clerks or magistrates to summon and empanel jurors when authorized by other provisions of law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-27-60 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 27 / Section 14-27-60
SECTION 14-27-60. Authorization for per diem, subsistence, and mileage.
Status: in_force

Members of the council shall receive for each meeting attended the per diem, subsistence, and mileage provided by law for members of state boards, commissions, and committees which must be paid from appropriations provided by the General Assembly for the operation of the council. The secretary of the council shall approve all vouchers.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-25-810 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 25 / Article 11 / Section 14-25-810
SECTION 14-25-810. Authority of recorders to suspend sentences.
Status: in_force

The recorders of the cities in this State having a population in excess of sixty thousand may in their discretion suspend sentences imposed by them in such cases as come within their jurisdiction upon such terms as in their discretion may seem fit and proper.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-1710 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 15 / Section 14-7-1710
SECTION 14-7-1710. Administrating oath or affirmation by foreman.
Status: in_force

The foreman shall administer an oath or affirmation in the manner prescribed by law to any witness who testifies before a state grand jury.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-11-15 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 14-11-15
SECTION 14-11-15. Equity courts.
Status: in_force

The equity court is considered a division of the circuit court, and the master-in-equity, as judge of the equity court, is entitled to all the benefits and subject to all the requirements of the South Carolina Bar and the rules of the Supreme Court in the same respect as circuit court and family court judges. This section may not be construed as providing retirement for masters-in-equity under the provisions of Chapter 8 of Title 9.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-25-75 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 25 / Article 1 / Section 14-25-75
SECTION 14-25-75. Judge may suspend sentences.
Status: in_force

Any municipal judge may suspend sentences imposed by him upon such terms and conditions as he deems proper including, without limitation, restitution or public service employment. Editor's Note This section contains provisions dealing with matters formerly dealt with by SECTIONS 14-25-810, 14-25-980 and 14-25-990.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-1-215 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-215
SECTION 14-1-215. Retired judges or justices may preside in certain courts.
Status: in_force

A retired judge or justice from the Supreme Court, court of appeals, or circuit court of this State may be assigned by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to preside over any official proceeding in any circuit court of this State. A retired judge or justice from the Supreme Court or court of appeals of this State may be assigned by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to act as an associate justice or judge in any proceeding before the Supreme Court or court of appeals. A retired judge from the family court of this State may be assigned by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to preside over any official proceeding in any family court of this State. In order to be eligible to be appointed by the Chief Justice to serve, any retired justice or judge of this State must have been reviewed in the manner provided in Section 2-19-10 et seq. and found by the commission to be qualified to serve in these situations within two years of the date of his appointment to serve, except that if a justice or judge retired before the expiration of his then current term, no further review of that justice or judge is required until that term would have expired.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-290 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 14-7-290
SECTION 14-7-290. Preparation of special list and drawing of special jury in certain circumstances.
Status: in_force

Whenever at any term of the circuit court the array of grand and petit jurors summoned to attend is held to have been irregularly or illegally drawn or summoned, the presiding judge shall immediately order, in either case, that the jury commissioners of the county shall immediately prepare a special list and, in open court, draw a special venire of grand or petit jurors or draw a special jury from the last list prepared according to law. Any special grand or petit jury so drawn and summoned shall serve instead of those discharged at this term. Editor's Note Provisions relative to disposition of names of those who are drawn and who serve as jurors, which formerly appeared in this section, can now be found in SECTION 14-7-250.
S.C. Code Ann. § 14-7-270 — SC Code / Title 14 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 14-7-270
SECTION 14-7-270. Preparation of special jury list in certain circumstances.
Status: in_force

Whenever the jury list of any county is destroyed by fire or other casualty or it is held by any court of competent jurisdiction that the jury list has been unlawfully prepared or is irregular or illegal, so as to render void the drawing of jurors therefrom, the jury commissioners shall prepare a special jury list for the county immediately in the manner herein prescribed from which special list grand and petit jurors are drawn for the courts of general sessions and common pleas for the county until the annual jury list has been prepared for the county as provided. Editor's Note For a local provision that either the clerk or deputy may draw jurors in Aiken County, see Local Law Index. Provisions relative to persons who may draw jurors, which formerly appeared in this section, can now be found in SECTION 14-7-230.