Also running without opposition are Circuit Judges Ernest Kinard Jr. of Camden, from the 5th Judicial Circuit of Richland and Kershaw counties, and Derham Cole of Spartanburg, from the 7th Judicial Circuit of Spartanburg and Cherokee counties. Circuit judges hear criminal cases in General Sessions Court and lawsuits and other civil matters in the Court of Common Pleas. Most other jurists seeking votes today want to return to the bench in the state's Family Courts, which hear divorces, social services cases and criminal charges against most juveniles. Also, Administrative Law Judge Ralph King Anderson III is running unopposed for another five-year term on the court that hears cases involving state agencies and holds hearings required in making state regulations. The other judgeships have six-year terms.
Rules prohibit candidates from seeking or accepting comments from legislators until noon today.
While vacant seats often have contested races, sitting judges seldom are challenged. When they are, it usually involves controversy. An example from the Lowcountry is outgoing Circuit Judge Danny Martin from the 9th Judicial Circuit of Charleston and Berkeley counties. In 1992, he was elected unopposed by his fellow legislators to fill the unexpired term of Judge Richard Fields. After repeated poor ratings on judicial performance by lawyers and legislators, Martin faced strong opposition in 1995.