Source: http://www.judicial.state.sc.us/clerkOfCourtManual/displaychapter.cfm?chapter=6
Timestamp: 2015-08-30 09:55:52
Document Index: 725532437

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 38', '§ 17', '§17', '§ 17', '§ 24', '§ 44', '§44', '§44', '§44', '§ 11', '§ 8', '§ 14', '§\n8', '§ 6', '§ 14', '§ 1', '§ 18', '§ 30', '§ 27', '§\n27', '§ 6', '§ 6', '§ 17', '§ 30', '§ 24', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§15', '§62', '§ 14', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§\n15', '§ 8', '§ 14', '§ 8', '§14', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 38', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 56', '§ 8', '§ 24', '§ 8', '§ 17', '§ 41', '§ 44', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 15', '§ 38', '§56', '§ 56', '§ 44', '§ 44', '§ 44', '§15', '§15', '§15', '§ 41', '§ 41']

Case Processing Procedures in the Court of Common
Pleas (Civil Matters)
6.0 Introduction and
Cases heard in the Court of Common Pleas
involve civil disputes between two or more parties. The party initiating the
action is the plaintiff,
the party against whom the action is brought is the defendant. Both parties in
civil suits are usually private citizens, businesses, or organizations; although state
or local government may appear as either plaintiff or defendant.
Although civil cases may involve different
areas of the law (tort,
for the purposes of processing cases through the court, the major factor influencing the
way in which the clerk tracks a particular case is whether the case is a jury
or non-jury matter. A request for arbitration in automobile damage liability
claims also will result in different processing procedures.
Civil cases commence when the plaintiff
files initiating document(s),
usually a summons and complaint with the Clerk of Court and pays a filing fee.
In specific or limited circumstances, the filing fee may not be
required such as for statutory exemptions and when an order granting a
"Motion for Leave to Proceed in Forma Pauperis" accompanies the
summons and complaint (Rule
3, SCRCP). Based on
the initiating documents,
the clerk creates a case jacket, and enters the case information on
the computer. As subsequent papers are filed, (an answer, a counterclaim, motions, etc.) they are recorded in the
computer and filed in the case jacket. If necessary, motions will be scheduled on the
Motion Calendar. Unless a case is withdrawn by the parties, or dismissed by the court, it will be placed on the trial
unless a continuance has been granted by a judge. Upon completion of the trial, the clerk will enter the judgment
6.1 Description of
When a case is filed, the plaintiff will designate
whether the case will be a jury or non-jury matter. Recording this information
is important because it will determine on which trial roster the case will be
placed. Rule 40, SCRCP, governs the "General Docket, Trial Rosters, and Call of Cases for
Trial." It is imperative that a clerk working with Common Pleas
matters be very familiar with this rule.
6.1.2 Automobile
S. C. Code § 38-77-710 et seq. of the South
Carolina Code of Laws authorizes the use of attorney panels to arbitrate
automobile damage liability claims. Cases entering arbitration are recorded on
a separate Arbitration Panel Docket, and processed as Common Pleas
cases. (See 6.7.2 below). Appeals from Arbitration Panel decisions are processed as Common
Pleas cases.
6.1.3 Appeals to
Matters appealed to the Circuit Court from
(civil and criminal),
and administrative or regulatory agencies (such as the S.C. Worker's
Compensation Commission) are all
treated as new cases in the
This includes criminal appeals from magistrate and municipal courts. Petitions
for judicial review of orders or decisions of the Chief Insurance Commissioner
must be heard in
but may be filed in any county. Filing fees are required, except for criminal appeals from
summary court and actions pursuant to State Employment Security law. All
appeals to the Circuit Court are non-jury cases. Appeals generally take
precedence over regular civil cases on the non-jury roster. Reference: Rule
74, SCRCP
6.1.4 Inmate
A. Post Conviction Relief (PCR)
Actions to have criminal sentences vacated, set aside, or corrected are filed in the
Court of Common Pleas as new civil cases under the Uniform Post-Conviction
Procedure Act (S. C. Code § 17-27-10; Rule
71.1, SCRCP). The filing fee
for all PCR cases is waived pursuant to S. C. Code §17-27-20(a)(6). PCR cases are summary in nature, and are usually heard during
specifically designated CPNJ(PCR) terms or during certain days of a regular
CPNJ term as designated by Court Administration. The roster for PCR hearings is
typically set by the Office of the Attorney General. Procedures for Post-Conviction Relief are provided in Section 6.2.3 of this manual. B. Habeas
"Habeas Corpus" is a Latin phrase that is translated as "you
have the body." The filing of a habeas corpus petition is a civil action, typically filed by an
incarcerated individual,
the purpose of which is to attain a remedial writ in alleged instances of
illegal incarceration (S. C. Code § 17-17-10). Similar to a PCR, petitions for habeas corpus
usually name a state entity or official as the defendant; therefore, the Attorney General should be
provided with a copy of the petition. If a hearing is scheduled in a habeas
corpus action,
it is typically included in a PCR/Non-jury term.
Inmates may file civil actions for reasons as various as for any other
civil filings,
such as for damages. S.C. Code § 24-27-100 provides a means by
which the court arranges for payment of fees and court costs from an inmate's
trust account through the Department of Corrections. As provided by law, the inmate must file a certified
copy of his trust account with the court that reflects the prisoner's balance
at the time the complaint is filed unless the prisoner does not have a trust
6.1.5 Sexually
Violent Predator (SVP)
The Sexually Violent Predator Act, S. C. Code § 44-48-10 provides for the involuntary
civil commitment of a person convicted of a sexually violent crime and that is
found by the court to be a continuing danger to society. SVP cases begin with a
finding by two assessment committees and a petition filed by the Attorney
General pursuant to the provisions of the Sexually Violent Predator Act. By
a filing of this type is exempt from filing fees. The hearings schedule for
this process involves time sensitive scheduling that may or may not be handled
directly by the Attorney General. These time limits can be found in the above
referenced code section and are briefly outlined below:
1. Verify that the petition includes:
Proper county designation
2. There is no filing fee for such cases.
3. File and stamp the petition and any
4. Assign a common pleas (CP) number.
5. Send two (2) clocked, certified copies to the Attorney
General’s office,
which they will provide.
Cause Order. The court
will issue an order establishing probable cause or an order of dismissal.
6. Immediately upon receipt of probable cause order or
order of dismissal from Attorney General’s office, file and stamp the court’s order
and send two (2) clocked,
certified copies to the Attorney General.
7. If the court finds probable cause exists, the probable cause order should
provide for the appointment of an attorney to represent the respondent.
(A) Appoint the next available attorney from
your civil list.
(B) Mail copy of the order appointing
counsel to the appointed attorney, respondent (if address available), and Attorney General’s office.
Probable Cause Hearing- The Attorney General’s
office will schedule this hearing.
8. after the probable cause hearing, send the evaluation order to
Trial- At the trial, the jury will make a
determination as to whether the respondent is a sexually violent predator. The Attorney General will schedule the date
9. File stamp the
commitment order or discharge order.
10. Enter the disposition information into CMS.
11. Distribute copy of order to the respondent’s
Post Disposition Actions- An annual report is filed with the court that
committed the respondent. The court must
conduct an annual hearing to review the status of the committed person. If the court determines that probable cause
exists to believe that the respondent is safe to be at large, a trial must be scheduled on the
issue. The Attorney General will
schedule the annual hearing and any trial, if necessary.
File stamp the annual report
and file it in the case file.
Petition for Release- If the Department of Mental Health determines that
the respondent’s disorder has changed such that the person is safe to be released,
the person shall be authorized to petition the court for release. Upon receipt of the petition, the respondent’s attorney will
schedule a hearing. Either party may
request the hearing before a jury. If
the respondent files a petition without approval of the Department of Mental
the petition should be filed.
Evidence- Pursuant to §44-48-150, SC Code, any psychological reports, drug and alcohol reports, treatment records, reports of the diagnostic center, medical records, or victim impact statements which
are submitted to the court or admitted into evidence, must be kept as part of the record, but sealed to be opened only upon
order of the court. The court will
designate those documents,
which should be sealed. Pursuant to §44-48-140, SC Code, relevant information and records which otherwise are confidential or privileged must be released to the agency with jurisdiction as defined in §44-48-30(5), SC Code, and the Attorney General for the purpose of meeting the notice requirements of Section 44-48-40 and determining whether a person is or continues to be a sexually violent predator. Filing System- Due to the unusual nature of these cases, it is recommended that these
cases be filed sequentially by case number, but separate from other Common
Because SVP cases must remain active for
SVP cases can remain pending until the subject's release from supervision. Due
to the length of time involved in the SVP process, such cases can distort pending
caseload aging reports.
6.1.6 Bond Issues
The following statute relates to the clerk's
responsibility with regard to the filing of public bond issues. Documentation relating to bond issues should
be kept in a file specifically for that purpose.
S. C. Code § 11-15-10. Record of public bond issues
shall be kept and filed.
In case any county,
town or other municipality is authorized to issue bonds in pursuance of law, the persons and officers charged
therewith shall make a full record of the proceedings connected with such bond
and a copy of the record of such proceedings shall be filed and indexed in the
office of the Clerk of Court of the county in a special book to be furnished
A filing fee is
not required when the copy of the record of proceedings is filed as set forth
above; however,
a petition filed to contest the bond issue requires the standard filing fee
provided for in S. C. Code § 8-21-310(11)(a) and § 14-1-204(B)(1). As
the custodian of the original record of proceedings related to public bond
the chief officer of the public body sponsoring the bond issue is appropriately
responsible for exemplification of the copy of the record to be filed.
6.1.7 Remedial
or Injunctive Relief
In seeking a writ for remedial or injunctive
a litigant may initiate an action by way of petition. However, in most such instances a summons, complaint, and bond is also required. Please see Rule
65, SCRCP. The statutory filing fee
provided for in S.C. Code Ann. §
8-21-310(11)(a) is applicable unless a statutory
exemption exists. An example of an action filed in pursuit of injunctive relief
is a civil action related to building code violations:
S. C. Code § 6-9-80. Mandamus
and injunctive relief for violation of code or regulation.
For a violation of the building codes or regulations adopted pursuant to this
the local building officials,
municipal or county attorneys,
or other appropriate authorities of a political subdivision, or an adjacent or neighboring
property owner who would be damaged by the violation, in addition to other remedies, may apply for injunctive relief, mandamus, or other appropriate proceeding.
6.2 Case Initiation
- Initiating Documents Pursuant to Rule 3(a), SCRCP: "A civil
action is commenced by filing and service of a summons and complaint." A Common Pleas case can also be initiated by
or appeal to the Circuit Court.
6.2.1 Summons and
A summons is a legal document that provides
notification that an individual is required to respond to the attached
complaint. The complaint is a legal document that provides notification to the
individual that an action is being brought against the individual in a
particular court and the basis for the civil action -- both documents must be
signed by the attorney or party filing the complaint.
Verify that document includes:
Designation as jury or non-jury matter
Original signature of filing party
Civil Action Coversheet Filing fee,
if required (See 6.3.1)
NOTE: Original documents are kept for
the court's file.
File Stamp the summons and complaint and
copies (if provided). Assign a Common Pleas (CP) case number.
(See 6.3.1) Collect filing fee, unless an order granting a
"motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis" is submitted. (See 6.3.1 for handling of such motions.) Return copies of the filed document with
the case number notation to the attorney or party who submitted the documents.
If certified copies are requested, pursuant to S. C. Code § 14-17-570, the clerk charges the established
rate "per copy sheet" and the certification fee does not apply. This
same statute allows that plain copies are provided free of charge to parties
and attorneys involved in the specific suit while it is pending. Please see
General Office Procedures,
for more detailed information on copies and certification. Enter case
information in CMS and create case jacket for the case (see 6.3.3).
A form Notice of Appeal is filed with the Circuit Court by a party appealing a
decision from magistrate or probate court. Appeals pursuant to the Administrative
Procedures Act (S. C. Code § 1-23-380) will be initiated by a petition. These types of
appeals will be filed as a Common Pleas case and are of a non-jury type. The
supporting documents, however, will be received from the court or administrative
agency from which the appeal is taken and the case will automatically be placed
on the non-jury motion calendar.
References: Rules
74 and 75,
Collect the $150.00 filing fee if the appeal is from a civil matter in summary court, probate court, or pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act (6.3.1). Bond may be required in certain instances to stay the judgment of the lower court or administrative agency (S. C. Code § 18-7-10). There is not a filing fee required for criminal appeals. Assign Common Pleas case number (6.3.2).
case information in CMS, create case
jacket for the case and insert the lower court or agency's record, if available (6.3.3). Schedule on the non-jury motions
calendar (6.4.2).
Understand that, pursuant to Rule 75, SCRCP,
30 days are allowed for the lower court or agency to file the record of the
proceedings. If it appears that the appeal will be heard prior to the clerk's
receipt of the record on appeal,
then adjustments to the calendar may be necessary.
Within 30 days of the
date of the filing of the Notice of Appeal with the Clerk of Court, the magistrate judge is required to file a Return
to the Notice of Appeal with the Clerk,
together with the record, a
statement of all proceedings in the case,
and, if necessary, the testimony taken at trial. (Note: Upon motion for a good cause shown,
the Circuit Court may allow a definite extension of time in which to file the
Return.) (Rule 18,
SC Rules of
Magistrates Court) Upon receipt of lower court's file, insert into case jacket,
and send notice to all parties that the record has been received (Rule 75, SCRCP) and the Return has been
filed (Rule 18, SC Rules of
Magistrates Court).
Upon issuance of the Circuit Court's decision, the opinion, order, judgment, or decree of the Circuit Court will be filed with the clerk of court. The clerk will send notice of the Circuit Court's determination to the lower court after 10 days have elapsed (the day of filing being excluded) since the filing of the opinion, order, judgment or decree of the court finally disposing of the appeal. For Workers Compensation Commission appeals, the clerk should send the notice via email to appeals@wcc.sc.gov. Please note that Workers Compensation Commission Cases with date of injury after July 11, 2007 will be appealed to the Court of Appeals pursuant 2007 Act No. 111, Pt I, § 30, eff July 1, 2007.)
If a petition for rehearing is received before the notice is sent, the notice shall not be sent pending disposition of the petition by the court. The notice shall contain a copy of the judgment of the Circuit Court, shall indicate the clerk's seal and be signed by the clerk of court. NOTE: An appeal pursuant to S. C. Code § 27-37-120, appeal of an eviction action from magistrate's
court, may be dismissed by the trial
magistrate if the appellant fails to post bond within 5 days of the service of
the notice of appeal as required by §
27-37-130. The magistrate makes a determination of the amount of the bond. Good
communication between the clerk and the magistrate is needed in the
administration of such appeals.
NOTE: Appeals from zoning board of appeals are heard in Circuit Court. S. C. Code §§§ 6-29-820, 6-29-825, and 6-29-830 govern these types of appeals. Pursuant to S. C. Code § 6-29-830, upon receipt of the petition appealing a zoning board appeal, the clerk of court must give immediate notice of the appeal to the secretary of the board. The board will then file with the clerk of court a certified copy of the proceedings held before the board of appeals, including a transcript of evidence heard before the board, if any, and the board’s decision including its findings of fact and conclusions. 6.2.3 Application for Post-Conviction Relief
Post-Conviction Relief actions are initiated when the applicant completes and files the Court-Approved PCR Application in Common Pleas Court. The form is required to initiate all PCR actions and is accessible under the Forms section of the SCJD website. Specially designated PCR terms will be scheduled, and the Attorney General's Office is typically responsible for creating the docket for the PCR term. Tasks:
Verify that the proper form has been used and that a Civil Action Coversheet is completed and attached. A filing fee is not required pursuant to S. C. Code § 17-27-20(a)(6).
Confirm that the verification and waiver
sections at the end of the form have been completed and signed.
Process as Common Pleas case. (See 6.3)
Within five days of filing, forward a copy of the application
to the Attorney General's Office and the Circuit Solicitor.
NOTE: Post-Conviction Relief case
processing can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. Prior to the filing of
a PCR application,
it is common for a prospective applicant to make a request for documents from
the General Sessions file. To formulate an appropriate mechanism to respond to
such requests,
and to protect yourself,
you will need to become familiar with the Freedom of Information Act, S. C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq. Additionally, the Attorney General's Office
will request a copy of the General Sessions file upon receipt of the
application - some clerks find it more efficient to forward a copy of the GS
file with the PCR application. Finally, the Attorney General's Office
will request appointment of counsel for the applicant if the matter requires a
hearing. Rule
602, SCACR and Rule
608, SCACR,
establish procedures for appointments of counsel.
6.2.4 Petition for
This is a petition for a remedial writ that
is processed in the same manner as any other case in Common Pleas. A copy should be forwarded to the Attorney
Verify that document contains:
If "Motion for Leave to Proceed In
Forma Pauperis" and affidavit are attached pursuant to Rule
3(b), SCRCP,
assign a case number and forward to Judge for determination of indigency. (See Section 6.3.1 E for more information on filing Motions for Leave to Proceed in Forma Pauperis.) For statutory provisions
relating to filing fees in inmate litigation, see 6.3.1. If motion is granted:
File stamp the document
Assign case number and process as a
Common Pleas case (6.3.2) Forward a copy to the Attorney General Schedule on the non-jury motion calendar
in many circumstances the Attorney General will request that hearings on habeas
corpus petitions be scheduled within PCR terms. Such a request is functionally
a continuance and is subject to the decision of the Chief Judge for
Administrative Purposes) If the in forma pauperis motion is
Return document along with a copy of the
order denying motion to filing party, along with instruction that the
filing fee must be submitted in order to file the petition or arrangements for
payment pursuant to S. C. Code § 24-27-100 must be made.
6.2.5 Lis Pendens
A lis pendens is an instrument that may be filed with the Clerk of Court with a summons and complaint or before the filing of a summons and complaint. The effect of the lis pendens is to put the community on notice that certain property is or may be subject to litigation.
Verify that document bears the name of the parties, the object of the action, the description of the property, Tax Map/reference number (if applicable), and the appropriate signature.
Verify original document is being filed.
Collect the $10.00 filing fee, § 8-21-310(11)(b), for a lis pendens filed before a summons and complaint. If the lis pendens is filed with the summons and complaint, there is no extra charge for filing the accompanying lis pendens.
File stamp document.
Immediately record document in Lis Pendens Book.
Assign an LP case number. Please note that all lis pendens should receive a separate LP number. NOTE: The $150.00 civil action filing fee can be paid with the filing of a lis pendens. In such cases, the summons and complaint can be filed within 20 days without further filing fee charges.
NOTE: Generally, there is no fee charged for filing an amended lis pendens. However, the statutory fee [§ 8-21-310(11)(b)] applies for re-filing a lis pendens if the original has expired pursuant to § 15-11-10 or § 15-11-50.
6.2.6 Cancellation
of Lis Pendens
A lis pendens may be cancelled by court
order at any time after the case has been settled, discontinued or abated. A lis
pendens may also be cancelled without a court order by the person who filed the
notice at any time after the case has been settled, discontinued, abated or dismissed. This action
requires the submission of a written notice of cancellation to the Clerk of
Court in each county in which the lis pendens was recorded.
Tasks: - Cancellation by court order.
File stamp court order. Collect filing fee ($1.00). Record cancellation on the margin of the
record of the lis pendens or in the same manner in which it was entered.
Tasks: - Cancellation by written request of submitting
Verify that person requesting cancellation
is the person who initially filed the lis pendens. Verify that the case has been ended by
abatement or discontinuation. File stamp document. Collect filing fee ($1.00). Record cancellation on the margin of the
Reference: §15-11-40
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §62-5-433, a minor settlement is a case
initiated that provides for the settlement of claims in favor of or against
minors or incapacitated persons. A minor
settlement is initiated by the filing of a petition in the court in the county
in which the minor or incapacitated person resides. A petition may often be accompanied by an
actual order approving the minor settlement, as well as petitions requesting
appointment for a guardian ad litem. In
the case will be initiated and settled at once. Tasks:
Original signature of
Filing fee (See 6.3.1)
NOTE: Original documents are kept for the court's
File Stamp the
petition and copies (if provided). Assign a Common
Pleas (CP) case number. (See 6.3.1) Collect filing
fee Return copies
of the filed document with the case number notation to the attorney or party
who submitted the documents. If certified copies are requested, pursuant to § 14-17-570, the clerk charges the established
for more detailed information on copies and certification.
filing bankruptcy must do so in the United States District Court. The District Court will usually refer the matter to the United States Bankruptcy Court. While
bankruptcy cases (Chapters 7,
and 13) are not filed in state Circuit Court, the clerk of court may receive
documents for filing that are bankruptcy-related. The appropriate filing
procedures and filing fees are addressed in the document located in the
appendix of this chapter, entitled “Bankruptcy Procedures.”
6.2.9 Federal Court Transfers
A case may be
transferred from the U.S. District Court to the Circuit Court to be disposed. A U.S. District Court judge will sign an
order to transfer or remand the case to the trial court level. When the Federal Court remands a case to the
the county clerk of court will receive, as an attachment to an e-mail, a copy of the remand order and
the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF). Attorneys of record are responsible for supplementing the state record
with all documents filed in Federal Court. Beginning
2005 attorneys who remove cases from the Circuit Court to the Federal Court
must e-file the case records as an attachment to the Petition for Removal. As a result of Electronic Case Filing (ECF), there is no longer a need for the
county clerks of court to send a copy of the records to the Federal Courts.
stamp transfer order received from the Federal Court.
Assign CP Case
Collect $150
filing fee unless case was previously filed in the Circuit Court. The fee may
be assessed at the time the attorney of record provides the hard copy of the
file from the Federal Court.
6.2.10 Medical Malpractice Prior to filing a civil action alleging medical malpractice in which the cause of action occurred after July 1, 2005, the plaintiff must file a Notice of Intent to File Suit and an Affidavit from an expert witness in the county where venue is proper. The case will proceed to mediation. If the matter cannot be resolved through mediation, the plaintiff may initiate a civil action by filing a summons and complaint. Medical Malpractice cases are governed by S. C. Code § 15-79-110 and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules. Tasks:
Verify that the Notice of Intent and Affidavit includes: Case caption
NOTE: Original documents are kept for the court's file.
File the Notice of Intent to File Suit, affidavit and copies (if provided). Assign a Notice of Intent to File Suit (NI) case number. (See 6.3.1) Collect $10 filing fee. In the event the parties do not agree upon a mediator, appoint primary and secondary mediator from the current roster of neutrals on a rotating basis, pursuant to ADR Rule 4. The current roster of neutrals is made available by the SC Bar. Note: the Notice of Intent to File Suit (SCADR 101) shall have a field for the clerk of court to fill in the names of the appointed mediators. Enter case information in CMS and create case jacket for the case (see 6.3.3). Within ten days of conclusion of the mediation, the mediator will file with the Clerk of Court a Proof of ADR (Form SCADR104) and indicate the results of the mediation on the form. After the Proof of ADR is filed, mail a copy of the Proof of ADR to all attorneys and unrepresented parties by regular mail, pursuant to Rule 7 of the ADR Rules. Disposition of the Notice of Intent to File Suit action: Upon receipt of the Proof of ADR, you should dispose the Notice of Intent to File Suit action. Enter case information in CMS. The Proof of ADR will indicate whether the case was settled through mediation or at an impasse (i.e. not settled through mediation). If the case is settled through the mediation conference, assign disposition ‘3’. If not, assign disposition ‘9’. Should the parties file a summons and complaint, this action should be considered a new Common Pleas action and should receive a new case number. The Summons and Complaint should not receive the same case number as the previous Notice of Intent action. Reference: S. C. Code § 15-79-125, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules 6.2.11 Filing and Enrolling Foreign Judgments - S. C. Code § 15-35-900 A copy of a foreign judgment authenticated
in accordance with an Act of Congress or the statutes of this State may be
filed with the Clerk of Court of any county in which the judgment debtor
resides or owns real or personal property. Along with the foreign judgment, an affidavit of the judgment creditor or his/her
attorney must be filed with the clerk stating that the judgment is final, that it is unsatisfied in whole or in part
indicating the amount remaining unpaid on the judgment,
and whether the judgment is further contested.
filing fee: Date stamp original and one copy of
foreign judgment and affidavit. Assign Common Pleas case number
following procedures outlined previously in this manual. Provide stamped copy (with assigned case
number) to attorney or filing party. Create case file following procedures
outlined previously in this manual. No docket sheet is necessary until/unless a
motion to enforce is filed. File proof of service of notice of filing
when received. Since no foreign judgment may be indexed if contested until
resolved, and no execution or
enforcement may issue upon the judgment until the expiration of thirty (30)
days from the date upon which notice of filing is served in accordance with S. C. Code §
15-35-930, suspend file for thirty
(30) days from date of service of notice of filing. If a motion contesting the entry is
filed by the judgment debtor, file
the papers accordingly. If the judgment creditor then moves
for enforcement of the judgment,
place motions on the Motion Calendar. Complete docket sheet as outlined
previously in this manual or send information electronically. If no motion is filed within thirty (30)
days of the date of service, enroll
judgment. 6.2.12 Court-Annexed Alternative
Dispute Resolution Note: Information regarding Automobile Arbitration is listed
in Section 6.7.2. You will find information regarding Medical Malpractice listed in Section
6.2.10. Pursuant
to Order of the Chief Justice dated May 5,
2008, in all cases in which ADR
shall be ordered in the courts of this state,
the Court-Annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules shall apply. Court appointed mediators in mandated cases
shall be named by the court only from the roster of Certified Neutrals provided
by the Supreme Court Commission on ADR. The roster is maintained by the SC
Bar. Court appointed mediators are not
allowed to charge a fee for mediation services greater than the maximum allowed
under the ADR Rule. The parties may select the mediator of their choice in
accordance with the ADR Rules. In the
event that the parties select their own mediator,
the mediator may charge such fee as shall be agreed upon between the mediator
and the parties. There
are two types of Alternative Dispute Resolutions: Mediation and Arbitration. ADR
Rule 2 defines Mediation as an informal process in which a third-party mediator
facilitates settlement discussions between parties. Any settlement is
voluntary. In the absence of settlement, the parties lose none of their rights to trial. A
mediator is a neutral person who acts to encourage and facilitate the
resolution of a dispute. The mediator
does not decide the issues in controversy or impose settlement. ADR
Rule 2 defines Arbitration as an informal process in which a third-party
arbitrator issues an award deciding the issues in controversy. The award may be
binding or non-binding as specified in these rules. An
arbitrator is a neutral person who acts to decide the issues in controversy of
a dispute. A. Mediation In
ADR cases, the parties may choose a
neutral at any time. In any event, the ADR Conference shall be held on or before the
deadlines provided in the ADR Rules; however,
if a Proof of ADR has not been filed by the 210th day after the
filing of the action, the clerk
should appoint a primary mediator and a secondary mediator from the current
Roster of Certified Neutrals on a rotating basis. Mediation Tasks: 1. Appoint a
primary and secondary mediator using the Roster of Certified Neutrals on a
rotating basis and among those mediators who have agreed to mediate cases in
your county. 2. Complete the
Notice of ADR Form (SCADR 102) and send a copy of the form to all parties and
the appointed mediators. Note: If in the event of a conflict with both the primary and secondary
mediators, and if the parties have
not agreed to the selection of an alternate mediator,
the plaintiff or his attorney shall immediately file with the clerk a notice
advising the court of this fact and requesting the appointment of two or more
mediators. Should this happen, the
clerk will follow the same procedures above to appoint additional mediators. Several things can happen after a
mediation hearing. Below are the
possible outcomes of a mediation along with the tasks
clerks should perform for each outcome. Receipt
of Proof of ADR (ADR RULE 5) Tasks: 1. Upon receipt of a Proof of ADR,
file stamp the Proof of ADR. If the case is to be heard in Circuit Court, the case shall not be on the Circuit Court trial roster until a
Proof of ADR is filed with the clerk,
pursuant to ADR Rule 5.
for a final hearing in a contested case subject to ADR under the ADR Rules shall include a copy of the Proof of ADR,
pursuant to ADR Rule 7(f). 2. Review the
Proof of ADR to determine whether a final hearing on the matter has been requested. If it has been requested, add the case to the trial docket. Receipt of a
Consent Judgment, Voluntary
Dismissal, or Mediation Agreement
(ADR RULE 6(f))
ADR Rule 6(f) states: upon reaching an agreement, the parties shall,
before the adjournment of the mediation,
reduce the agreement to writing and sign along with their attorneys. If the
parties envision a more formal agreement,
the mediator shall assign one of the parties’ attorneys to prepare the
agreement. A consent judgment or voluntary dismissal shall be filed with the
court by such persons as may be designated by the mediator. Tasks: 1. Upon receipt of the Agreement, Consent Judgment,
or Voluntary Dismissal, file stamp
the document. 2. Enter case information in CMS. Dispose the case with a disposition code “3.” B. Arbitration
Proof of ADR from Arbitrator
Tasks: 1. Upon receipt of a Proof of ADR,
file stamp the Proof of ADR. 2. Review the Proof of ADR to determine whether a final hearing on the
matter has been requested. If it has been requested, add the case to the trial docket. Receipt of a
Proposed Order Directing Entry of Judgment on an Arbitration Award (ADR Rule
12(e)) Tasks: 1. Upon receipt of a
Proposed Order Directing Entry of Judgment on an Arbitration Award, file stamp the document. 2. Schedule a
hearing for the Chief Administrative Judge to approve the award. 3. After the Order Directing Entry of Judgment on
an Arbitration Award is issued, you
will dispose the case and use disposition code “9.” 6.3 Case Processing
6.3.1 Filing Fees
As a general rule, filing fees are required for all cases filed in the Court of Common Pleas. These fees are required or waived pursuant to the South Carolina Code of Laws. The amounts of filing fees are set by S. C. Code § 8-21-310 and § 14-1-204(B)(1). The two most common filing fees are the $150.00 fee that is paid at the initiation of a civil action and the $25.00 filing fee which is paid when a Notice of Motion and Motion (commonly referred to as a motion) is filed in a civil action. A. Case Initiation Filing Fees
The fee to initiate most actions in the Court of Common Pleas is $150.00. S. C. Code § 8-21-310(11)(a) states that the filing fee is $100.00. S. C. Code §14-1-204(B)(1) requires that an additional filing fee of $50.00 be imposed on filings in Family and Circuit Court. This increase is in addition to the $100.00 fee required by S. C. Code § 8-21-310 (11)(a). Thus, the total cost for initiating most civil actions is $150.00. Please note that there are some types of actions that do not require the $150.00 filing fee. Listed below are the most common types of actions that are initiated in the Court of Common Pleas and the fee that should be charged pursuant to statute. $150 Filing Fee Required
New (never previously filed) cases
Cases restored under Rule 40(j), SCRCP
Appeals to Circuit Court from: Probate Court; Administrative or Regulatory Agencies (For example: Workers Compensation Commission); Arbitration Panels
County Zoning Board; and Magistrate Court (civil only)
Cases transferred from Federal Court that have never been filed in the Circuit Court
Forfeiture cases arising out of drug seizures and DUI 4th convictions (if commenced with petition)
$100 Filing Fee Required
Foreign Judgments [S. C. Code § 8-21-310(22)]
$10 Filing Fee Required
Automobile Arbitration Panel Cases [S. C. Code § 38-77-720(c)].
Lis Pendens—when not accompanied by a summons and complaint (S. C. Code § 8-21-310(11)(b)) Notice of Intent to File Suit for Medical Malpractice Cases
Confessions of Judgment (if case is not already filed) S. C. Code § 8-21-310(11)(d)
Certificate of Non-Compliance pursuant to a decision of the Resolution of Fee Disputes Board
$25 Filing Fee Required
Forfeiture cases arising out of drug seizures and DUI 4th convictions (if commenced with consent order). See Motion Fee memo, Section A3.
$200 Filing Fee Required
Reinstatement of permanently revoked driver's license (S. C. Code § 56-1-385)
NOTE: Fees generally are enumerated in S. C. Code § 8-21-310.
Inmate Litigation Filing Fees (other than PCR) are governed by the following:
S. C. Code § 24-27-100. Filing fees.
Unless another provision of law permits the filing of civil actions without the payment of filing fees by indigent persons, if a prisoner brings a civil action or proceeding, the court, upon the filing of the action, shall order the prisoner to pay as a partial payment of any filing fees required by law a first-time payment of twenty percent of the preceding six months' income from the prisoner's trust account administered by the Department of Corrections and thereafter monthly payments of ten percent of the preceding month's income for this account. The department shall withdraw the monies maintained in the prisoner's trust account for payment of filing fees and shall forward quarterly the monies collected to the appropriate court clerk or clerks until the filing fees are paid in full.
The prisoner must file a certified copy of his trust account with the court that reflects the prisoner's balance at the time the complaint is filed unless the prisoner does not have a trust account.
Filing Fee Not Required
Criminal Appeals from Magistrate or Municipal Court [S. C. Code § 8-21-321(11)]
Post Conviction Relief Cases (S. C. Code § 17-27-20)
Proceedings brought pursuant to the State Employment Security Law (S. C. Code § 41-39-30)
Petitions by Minors for Judicial Consent for Abortion [S. C. Code § 44-41-34(B)]
Sexual Violent Predator Actions of the Attorney General
Cases restored after being ended in error
Cases granted a new trial before appeal to the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals
Cases remanded by way of appeal from Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or Federal Court
Change of Venue Cases (from Circuit Court to Circuit Court)
Cases returned from Bankruptcy Court
Orders of the Worker's Compensation Commission
Confessions of Judgment (if case is filed -- if not, $10 fee)
Cases filed accompanied by an order granting a Motion for Leave to Proceed in Forma Pauperis [Rule 3(b)(1), SCRCP].
Note: No fee is charged to a defendant or respondent for filing an answer, return or other papers in any civil action or proceeding, in a court of record (S. C. Code § 8-21-310(12). Cases filed when a party is represented by an attorney working on behalf of or under the auspices of a legal aid society, a legal services or other nonprofit organization, or the South Carolina Pro Bono Program (written certification from the attorney required) pursuant to Rule 3(b)(2), SCRCP.
B. Motion Fees Pursuant to § 8-21-320 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, there is a $25.00 fee assessed for every motion made in the Court of Common Pleas. The motion fee applies to all motions, including motions filed with the original complaint, unless otherwise determined to be exempt. Please access the below motion fee list to review the list of the most commonly filed motions which require the $25.00 motion fee and the most commonly filed motions which are exempt from the $25.00 motion fee. Chief Justice Toal’s December 22, 2010 Memorandum and Motion Fee List
C. Motion and Order Information Form and Coversheet
The Motion and Order Information Form and Coversheet is to be submitted with every motion or proposed order filed with the clerk of court or presented to a judge at chambers and shall remain as an attachment to the motion or proposed order, or copy of the same, as proof of payment, or in the alternative, as instruction for payment. Please note that a motion coversheet is necessary on all motions and proposed orders, regardless of whether a motion fee is to be assessed or not assessed. Court Administration November 14, 2003 Memorandum
Motion Fee Disputes: When there is a motion fee dispute between the attorney and the clerk, the judge is to make the final decision as to whether the fee should be assessed. The judge should only be involved when the resolution of the dispute over the assessment of a motion fee is necessary. The Motion and Order Information Form and Coversheet provides documentation for situations when there is a motion fee dispute between the attorney and the clerk.
D. Tasks for Case Initiation Fees and Motion Fees:
If fee is required, but not attached, return document or contact filing party and advise that the fee is required. If fee is required and attached, assign Case Number for Summons and Complaint based on the Cover Sheet filed.
Issue receipt for filing fee and record amount paid.
If the filing party files a motion and disputes the $25 fee, check “contested” on the SCCA 233, Motion and Order Information Form and Cover Sheet and forward to the judge for evaluation. E. Tasks for Case Initiation when a Motion for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis and Affidavit Is Filed
Assign Case Number for Summons and Complaint based on the Cover Sheet filed
Forward Motion for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis and Affidavit showing inability to pay costs pursuant to Rule 3(b), SCRCP to the Judge for determination of indigency. A. If Motion is granted:
- Run the Court Process in CMS called ' Waiver of Complaint Filing Fee' which will remove the $150. - Run the Court Process in CMS called ' Waiver of Motion Fee'.
- Process as usual.
B. If Motion is denied:
- Run the Court Process in CMS called ' Waiver of Complaint Filing Fee' which will remove the $150.
- Run the Court Process in CMS called ' Waiver of Motion Fee'.
-Return the Summons and Complaint and a copy of the order denying motion to filing party. Provide instruction that the original case has been dismissed and will need to be re-filed along with the appropriate filing fee.
-Dispose of Case using the disposition code in CMS of 65 - 'Ended by Non Jury' and the Judge Code should be the 2099.
6.3.2 Assign Case
Each Common Pleas case is assigned a unique
including a "CP" designation, that will identify it
throughout its pendency in the court, and for subsequent modifications.
See Chapter 1,
for the general procedures used in assigning case numbers.
Example: 2000-CP-40-0000X
Year Court Designation
Stand-alone confessions of judgment can
receive a "JG" designation.
· Write or stamp case number on original
complaint and any copies returned to the filing attorney or party.
6.3.3 Case Jackets
As each case is opened, a separate jacket should be
prepared to hold all original papers associated with that case. The case number
should be typed or written on the file tab, and the jackets filed in
numerical order by sequential case number. The case name may also be written on
As additional papers are filed, they should be added to the case
jacket. 6.3.4 Procedures
for Restoring Common Pleas Cases
The following scenarios may require case
CP Case Ended by:
(Use Restore Date Field)
Original Case #
Granted New Trial Before Appealed
Remanded from Federal Court
In all of the above-referenced situations, the Restore Date Field should be used to reinstate
the case to the active docket. If you are unable to use the Restore Date Field, you must call the Data Entry
Supervisor at SCJD (803-734-1800) so that the case can be manually restored. If
you are simultaneously restoring and disposing of a previously disposed case, please keep in mind that the Restore Date Field must reflect a
date that is on or before the new Disposition Date, otherwise an error will occur. In
all instances of using the Restore Date Field, you must use an "M" (for "modified") action
code to successfully retransmit the modified record.
The examples of restored cases listed below
are functionally new records,
even though they are related to prior cases. These types of records should be
transmitted using an "A"
(for "added") action code.
Remanded from Higher SC Court
Suffix 'A'
Bankruptcy [not 40(j)]
Suffix 'B'
Rule 40(j)
New Case #
Suffix 'R'
Ended due to Incomplete Service
Please note that CMS automatically adds the above-referenced suffixes during the restore process if one of the reasons is selected. The suffix will be included with the case number for CMS to review. The suffix will not be included in the case number available to the clerk in CMS. In other words, the suffix will not be included with the case number when the clerk is looking at the record in his or her CMS program.
When a case is restored after it has been in
Bankruptcy status,
the case will be restored using its original case number and to
designate bankruptcy and will retain the original filing date. When a
case is restored after an appeal has been granted, the case will be restored using
the original case number to designate appeal and will
retain the original filing date.
When a case is restored following a dismissal
pursuant to Rule 40(j),
SCRCP, which allows for a case to be restored within a year, the case receives a new case
number with a suffix of ‘R’. If the case is restored after a year, the case receives a new case number with no suffix. No suffix is required for those restored after a year because they are treated as a new case since the period to restore has expired. When a case is restored after it has previously been dismissed due to a Home Modification Program loan, the case will be restored using its original case number and will retain its original filing date. The clerk will flag the case and indicate that the case was restored due to an HMP default. 6.4 Case Updating
Between the time a case is filed with the
court and the time it is set for trial, additional papers will be filed
with the clerk's office. Some will simply be recorded in CMS and placed in
the case jacket. Others will require further action by the clerk, such as scheduling matters on the
Motion Calendar,
processing Orders of Reference and scheduling for status and pretrial
conferences. Finally,
the case will be placed on the proper trial roster. In order for this process
to occur smoothly,
all intermediate filings must be properly processed and readily accessible for
6.4.1 Subsequent
In addition to the summons and complaint, other pleadings may be filed with the clerk of court. They include the defendant's answer, affidavit of service of the complaint, counterclaim, cross claim, various motions, affidavits, etc. Rule 7, SCRCP, discusses the pleadings allowed. The general procedure for processing these additional filings is discussed in Chapter 1, General Office Procedures.
Verify required signatures and copies are present.
Verify that case number is on document.
Record document file and date.
Make any basic case information
amendments and prepare record for transmission to Court Administration using an
"M" action code.
6.4.2 Motion
Certain matters are to be placed on the Motion
Calendar as a matter of course. Others are placed on the Motion Calendar
because one of the parties has filed a Motion upon which the judge must rule.
Depending upon the nature of the motion, it may be resolved quickly or it
may require extended time for argument. Motions may be considered in chambers
or may need to be scheduled during a non-jury term. A Motion and Order Information Form and Coversheet (SCCA 233) should be included with the motion when it is filed. The motion coversheet is accessible under the Forms section of the SCJD Website. The following matters are to be placed on
the motion calendar as they are filed:
- Appeals from Magistrate Court
- Appeals from Municipal Court
- Appeals from administrative agency hearings
- Appeals from
- Other matters requiring summary (non-jury)
hearing in the Circuit Court.
Note: Appeals from the Master-in-Equity
go to the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals. [Rule
53(e), SCRCP]
Note: If a motion is filed for a case that has been placed on the trial roster, the motion should not be
scheduled on the motion calendar unless so indicated by the judge.
Verify that a motion coversheet and the $25.00 filing fee (if applicable) are included with the motion. Verify case number and proper signatures
appear on documents to be filed.
Place on Motion Calendar. The Motion and Order Information Form and Coversheet (SCCA 233) includes:
Nature of the motion to be presented
Court reporter request.
When the motion is scheduled for hearing, send notice of the hearing to the
or parties if pro se. The hearing rosters should include:
Date and time of motion hearing
NOTE: Because a printout of a hearing roster
contains the case information elements listed above, some offices may find that
sending a copy of the hearing roster is more convenient than generating
separate notices. However,
for some offices,
such a practice could be costly in terms of postage and paper. The clerk may utilize the CMS system to email court notices to attorneys or pro se litigants who provide an email address. If a pro se litigant does not provide an email, the clerk will need to mail the notice to him or her. 6.4.3
Depending on the particular case, or the judge involved, pretrial and/or status
conferences (Rule
16, SCRCP) may be scheduled. These conferences help to refine the
issues and estimate time needed for trial. In circuits where larger numbers of
cases are routinely scheduled for pretrial conferences, a separate pretrial docket
may be maintained. When fewer pretrials are required, they may be scheduled as time
allows on the regular rosters.
Local practice may vary in preparing for
pretrial conferences. The following tasks may be used as a guide for pretrial
Pull case jackets for cases listed on
the pending roster. Verify that:
1. All attorneys are listed.
2. Service on defendant is complete, and/or answers from all
defendants are filed.
If this information is missing,
contact the attorneys.
Set cases with completed information on
the pretrial conference docket in chronological order, oldest case first.
Send notice to attorneys that the case
has been placed on pretrial conference docket.
If cases settle after being placed on the pretrial
conference docket,
substitute other cases in the available time slots.
Prior to or at the time of the conference, each attorney will submit a
Pretrial Brief to the judge.
These briefs are not to be filed with the clerk nor are they made a part of the record. Rule
16(c) SCRCP.
6.4.4 Trial Roster
Trial rosters consist of lists of cases
which are to be heard during a particular term of court. Both jury and non-jury
rosters are prepared by the Clerk of Court. No jury roster, however, should be prepared for a week
that has been designated as a non-jury week.
40, SCRCP,
governs the preparation of trial rosters. Within a given circuit, this may be done by the clerk
following procedures set by the court, or it may be done in consultation
with the Chief Judge for Administrative Purposes. Pursuant to Rule 40(b), the clerk initially shall place all cases in which a jury has been requested on the General Docket. A case may not be called for trial until it has been transferred to the Jury Trial Roster. Trial shall be had no earlier than 30 days from the date the case first appears on the Jury Trial Roster. Cases shall be called for trial in the order in which they are placed on the Jury Trial Roster, unless the court in a Scheduling Order has set a date certain for the trial, or, after the case has been set on the Jury Trial Roster, the court, upon motion, grants a continuance as provided in (i) below. The first 20 cases on the Jury Trial Roster at the opening of court on the first day of a term, excluding those previously dismissed, continued or otherwise resolved before the opening of that term of court, may be called for trial. For each additional judge sitting during that term of court an additional 20 cases are subject to call. All other cases may be called for trial in that term only upon no less than 24 hours notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no action may be called for trial until 180 days after service of the last pleading which adds a new party to the action, unless all parties consent in writing. Tasks:
Prepare a list of pending cases
including only those cases in which the initial pleadings were filed and served
more than 120 days before.
1) Actions filed more recently may be placed on the roster
if the attorneys for both parties certify in writing that the action is ready
Place actions on the roster in
chronological sequence,
with the oldest case appearing first on the roster. If any of the following orders exist, the numerical sequence of the
roster may be varied to reflect the content of the order.
1. Order Setting Day Certain
2. Order to Try out of Chronological Order
3. Order of Continuance
The format of the trial roster is
determined in each circuit,
but they should include
Court identification information:
Presiding judge (optional)
Designation as jury or non-jury roster
Case identification information:
Other case information which may be useful includes
Nature of action (optional, but required if the trial roster
is used for notice purposes)
The format of the roster should provide sufficient space for notes to be made
in monitoring the roster - such as notations concerning continuances or a
party's scheduling conflict.
Prepare sufficient copies of the trial
roster for distribution to court personnel and attorneys or pro se litigants
listed on the roster. Notify attorneys that their case has
been called for trial by sending notice to attorneys, or parties if pro se. Notice
Date and time of trial
Description of action or motion
NOTE: Because a printout of a hearing or
trial roster contains the case information elements listed above, some offices may find that
such a practice could be costly in terms of postage and paper. The clerk may utilize the CMS system to email court notices to attorneys or pro se litigants who provide an email address. If a pro se litigant does not provide an email, the clerk will need to mail the notice to him or her. 6.4.5 Masters and
Rule 53(b), SCRCP, provides that in an action where the parties consent consent, in a default case, or an action for foreclosure, some or all of the causes of action in a case may be referred to a master or special referee by order of a circuit judge or the clerk of court. In all other actions, the circuit court may, upon application of any party or upon its own motion, direct a reference of some or all of the causes of action in a case. Any party may request a jury pursuant to Rule 38 on any or all issues triable of right by a jury and, upon the filing of a jury demand, the matter shall be returned to the circuit court. A case shall not be referred to a master or special referee for the purpose of making a report to the circuit court. The clerk shall promptly provide the master or special referee with a copy of the order of reference.
You may access the complete Rule by clicking on the following link: Rule 53, SCRCP.
NOTE: Because the Master determines final disposition on references, when the case is ended the file
will be returned to the clerk who will enter and enroll (if applicable) judgment, update the record, and close the file as with a typical
Common Pleas case. 6.5 Trials
Once a case has been placed on the trial
roster it will remain there unless settled or moved to another roster by order
of the court. The clerk is usually responsible for having all case jackets in the
courtroom as the cases are called. The individual responsible for specific
tasks involved in preparing for trial as well as during trial may vary from
circuit to circuit,
or judge to judge. For example,
the judge's staff or the clerk's staff may be responsible for delivering case
jackets. During court,
the judge may announce cases and swear witnesses, or the clerk may do so. To ensure
efficiency in the courtroom,
it may be helpful to review local procedure with each new judge, and to modify the procedure as
requested when working with that judge.
6.5.1 Tasks -
· Prior to the date of the trial pull case jackets and place
in the order as cases appear on trial roster.
· Deliver to courtroom/judge.
6.5.2 Tasks -
jury cases:
Administer oaths to venire prior.
Secure jury list from bailiff.
Distribute copies to the judge, the court reporter, and the attorneys for each side, and retain at least one copy.
After attorneys review the list each will be allowed to
strike four jurors. The plaintiff's attorney strikes first.
Note strikes by each attorney on clerk's
placing mark in column to indicate party striking the juror.
Read names of remaining jurors.
Seat jurors in jury box.
Swear jurors using oath for Common Pleas
cases. (See 4.7.1 for sample oaths.)
Upon return of jury, publish jury verdict,
Poll jurors if requested by either
party. B. In
Call cases in order from trial roster.
Administer oaths to witnesses and
interpreters as necessary.
Oaths for Witnesses:
"State your full name, raise your right hand and place
your left hand on the Bible. The evidence you shall give the Court and jury
upon the trial of this case shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but
the truth. So help you God (if no objection)."
"You do solemnly swear that the
testimony you are about to give in this case to be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but
Oath for Interpreters:
"Do you solemnly promise and swear
that you shall interpret the testimony of the witness as he or she makes the
answers to you? So help you God (if no objection)."
Oath for Constable (Bailiff): "You and each of you solemnly swear
you will keep the jury sworn. You will suffer no one to speak to them, neither speak to them yourselves
about this case. So help you God (if no objection)."
D. Oath
for Constable to take jury to meal:
"Do you solemnly swear that you will
keep the jurors sworn in this case and take them to some convenient place for
lunch; that you will suffer no person to speak with them, nor any of them, neither speak with them yourself, nor suffer them to speak with any
persons and after lunch return them to their jury room and keep them there
until further directed by this Court? So help you God (if no objection)."
Maintain minutes on each case called.
Some clerks use legal pads for these notes, others use trial rosters or
special forms. The minutes should include:
- juror names
- times court began and ended.
File papers as necessary.
At the end of the day, take exhibits from court reporter, review exhibit list and exhibits
- Sign list showing exhibits received
- Retain a copy of the list
- Return original list to court reporter.
1 for discussion of clerk's responsibility for exhibits.)
Following conclusion of term, transcribe minutes into official
journal. File original notes from trial by term in file folder for prescribed
period of time. (See Chapter
Records Retention)
6.6 Case Disposition
Cases will be disposed at various stages of
the judicial process. Some will be withdrawn by the parties, others will be settled. Failure
by the parties to comply with processing requirements may cause the court to
strike the case. Some cases will progress to trial and result in a final
No matter what the type of disposition, the clerk's office must record
the appropriate information in CMS to officially close the case. The
information that follows will discuss the types of dispositions first, and then the general tasks
involved in closing the case records.
6.6.1 Types of
Dispositions and Disposition Codes
A. Withdrawn
by plaintiff - The plaintiff may file a notice of dismissal
with the clerk and serve a copy on the defendant before the defendant answers
the complaint or other motions go forward. Later in the proceedings, the action may be withdrawn by filing a
stipulation of dismissal signed by all parties who have appeared in the action.
to another court - A change of venue or transfer on other
grounds does not resolve the case. For the purposes of the court in which the
case was originally filed, however, the matter is disposed of and can be removed from
the pending cases once the transfer is complete. It is highly recommended that
when transferring a case file to another court by mail that certified mail be used.
C. Default - When the defendant fails to respond to a properly served summons and
complaint, the plaintiff may move
for judgment on the pleadings and request a hearing on damages. D. Settlement or Dismissal - Settlement or dismissal may be moved
for by the parties at any time between the filing of the case and judgment at
trial. A form order is frequently used although the attorneys may draw their
own order and forward it to the court. If approved or modified by the court, the order will be signed and filed with the
clerk. Cases may also be dismissed by stipulation of parties and without
an order of the court pursuant to Rule
41(a)(1), SCRCP
40(j) Dismissal - When a case on the trial roster is called for
trial and the parties indicate the case is not ready for trial, the case can be dismissed with leave to restore, unless a continuance is granted.
Note: Some judges may require a meeting with attorneys prior to a Rule
40(j), SCRCP dismissal.
F. Ended
by jury or non-jury trial - Action proceeded through trial.
G. Other dispositions may occur due to Bankruptcy actions or through Binding Arbitration.
H. Disposition Codes
The following is a reference list of
disposition codes used in Common Pleas: 1
- Transferred to Other Court
- Dismissed by Court, not by Rule 40(j) 3
Settled, or Withdrawn by Parties
- Rule 40(j) Dismissal 5
- Ended by a Non-Jury Trial 6 - Ended by a Jury Trial 7
- Uncontested/Default 8
- Ended by
Judgment/Dismissal/Arbitration/Mediation 6.6.2 Entry of
58, SCRCP,
all judgments must be entered by the Clerk of Court. 6.6.3 Closing Case
Receipt of a jury verdict, final order, notice of voluntary dismissal, or notice of dismissal by stipulation triggers the closing of the case records. The judgment must be entered, and enrolled if appropriate, and the case is disposed in CMS. The judgment may take the form of an order or a decree. When multiple claims or multiple parties are involved in one action, there may be more than one judgment rendered before the entire action is resolved.
NOTE: Unless otherwise ordered by the court, all judgments are to be entered.
Tasks for Entering Judgment:
Verify that the final document has been signed by judge.
NOTE: Final document will usually be an order. However, in cases of voluntary dismissal or dismissal by stipulation, there may not be an order. File stamp final document. Complete judgment form (Form 4C, SCRCP) (See Section 1.10.1 for additional information on Form 4C) and provide or mail a copy of the Form 4C to attorneys representing parties affected by the judgment or to the affected parties themselves, if pro se. [See Rule 77(d), SCRCP] The clerk is not responsible for completing the "Information for the Judgment Index/Transcript of Judgment" portion of the form. Enter into CMS:
- Date of final disposition
- Judge code
- Disposition type
NOTE: In accordance with Rule 77(d), SCRCP, record the date that the notice was provided to or mailed to parties in the case jacket and CMS.
SCCA recommends that the clerk of court transmit daily. File computer-generated docket sheet in the case jacket
6.6.4 Enrolling a
If the final judgment affects title to real
property it must be immediately enrolled after filing. Judgments involving the
payment of a sum of money or affecting personal property should also be
enrolled. Enrolling the judgment particularly provides notice to those
individuals who may want to determine whether a property is encumbered. Not all
judgments must be enrolled. For example, the court may order that a
particular judgment should not be enrolled. Additionally, the following types of cases
generally will not affect title to property and it is recommended that they
should not be automatically enrolled:
Dismissals and non-suits (See Rule
41, SCRCP).
Settlements (unless made upon order of
the court which requires future payment of a sum of money or affects title to
real or personal property)
Cases stricken pursuant to Rule
40(j, SCRCP
Jury verdicts making no monetary award
(or possession of property) to any party.
Other final judgments not awarding money or clearly not
affecting the title to real or personal property.
Note: When in doubt as to whether real or
personal property is affected,
Use original case
number to enroll judgment. Pursuant to Chief Justice Toal’s November 26, 2009 order, if a General Sessions or Family Court judgment is
being enrolled in Common Pleas Court, assign such judgments a CP
number. Write that number on the judgment.
Record the number and case name in the
judgments index.
Enroll an abstract of the judgment in
the Judgment Roll book. Include the following information: case name, nature of judgment, date of entry of judgment, costs as allocated.
Forward case jacket immediately to staff
member responsible for enrolling judgments.
File case jacket with judgment roll files, or case ended files as
appropriate. (See 1.6)
NOTE: Cancellation of judgment is provided
by the following statute:
§ 15-35-650. Entry
of cancellation on margin or index of judgment.
All clerks of court shall enter the word
"cancelled,"
together with the signature of such officer, upon the margin or across the
indices of judgments when any such judgment is duly cancelled of record by the
judgment creditor or his assignee. Such cancellation and signature shall be
entered in the margin opposite the names of the judgment debtor and judgment
or across such names,
and the like cancellation shall on the demand of the judgment debtor, or his legal representative, be made on judgments theretofore
cancelled of record. Upon failure of such Clerk of Court to comply with the
he shall,
forfeit and pay to the judgment debtor the sum of ten dollars, to be recovered in any court of
competent jurisdiction,
and if such failure be willful he shall, on conviction, be fined not more than one
hundred dollars or be imprisoned not more than thirty days, in the discretion of the court.
The solicitor of each circuit shall see that the provisions of this section are
complied with or shall forthwith prosecute violators thereof.
Special procedures have been established for
certain groups of cases or matters handled by the court, as a means of expediting or
ensuring uniform treatment. Those currently in operation are discussed below.
6.7.1 Foreclosures
A case is to be considered closed when the
judge or Master-in-Equity enters foreclosure.
6.7.2 Automobile
The South Carolina Automobile Reparation
Reform Act of 1974 (§ 38-77-710, et seq.) created a procedure for the arbitration of property
damage claims arising out of motor vehicle collisions and accidents. Records
for these arbitrations are maintained by the Clerk of Court. Once the resident
judge has issued an order of reference appointing an attorney or attorneys as
member(s) of an arbitration panel, the clerk is responsible for
assigning members of the panel to hear cases as they arise.
The clerk must provide the following forms
necessary for pursuing a claim:
1. Claim for Property Damage 2. Summons for Arbitration 3. Affidavit of Service 4. Notice of Assignment as Arbitrator 5. Notice of Arbitration Hearing 6. Entering and Filing of Decision Upon Arbitration (this form is to be printed on the back
of the Claim for arbitration form.)
7. Agreement 8. Subpoena and Subpoena Duces Tecum
A separate Arbitration Docket must be
maintained in the clerk's office.
Procedure for Automobile Arbitration:
A. Initiating documents - Claim
for Property Damage and Summons for Arbitration must be filed in triplicate. If
multiple defendants are named an additional copy for each defendant is
File stamp.
Collect the $10.00 filing fee (See 6.7.2 (B) below).
Assign a Common Pleas case number.
Record in Arbitration Docket.
Enter information into CMS. Enter claimant and defendant names in
the alphabetical claimant and defendant indexes at the front of the Arbitration
Upon request, provide Subpoenas and Subpoenas Duces Tecum to parties.
Create case jacket and file in sequence
B. Filing fee - A $10.00
filing fee is required for all arbitration cases. Of this $10.00, the clerk retains $5.00 to cover
the cost of filing the case and enrolling the judgment. The other $5.00 covers
Write receipts - one for each $5.00
Note payment of fee on docket sheet.
C. Service - As with
Common Pleas cases,
all parties named in arbitration cases must be served.
Prepare copies of Claim and Summons for
Deliver to sheriff or other process
server for service (include sufficient copies of Affidavit of Service).
Out of state service is handled in the
same manner as other Common Pleas cases.
File Affidavit of Service when returned to
D. Assign Arbitrator - After 30 days or
after the filing of a response by the defendant, assign the case to a panel of
three arbitrators. The clerk must assign the arbitrators on a rotating basis. NOTE: Upon receipt of a written Agreement, signed by the parties (not their
attorneys),
a single arbitrator may be assigned.
Select attorney/arbitrator(s) from panel
Prepare and mail Notice of Assignment as
Arbitrator form to attorney/arbitrator.
If, within 3 days, a written request is received
from the attorney/arbitrator requesting to be excused for service, the Clerk of Court must decide if
the excuse is good and justifiable. If it is, notify the protesting
attorney/arbitrator of removal and select another attorney/arbitrator from the
list. Repeat the noticing process until the needed number of
arbitrators are assigned.
Prior to hearing, send case jacket to arbitrators.
E. Notify parties of hearing. As the arbitrators are notified of their assignment, the parties are notified of the
Prepare Notice of Arbitration Hearing
and make copies for each party to the proceeding. The notice should contain:
- Location for hearing
- Date and time of hearing
Mail copies by certified mail,
File original Notice in case jacket.
Attach return receipts from mailing to
original Notice as they are received.
If a written protest to the scheduling of the hearing
is received within three days of the litigant's receipt of notice, the clerk must determine whether
to reschedule the hearing. If rescheduling is appropriate, then notify all parties and the
F. Decision - Following the hearing,
the arbitration panel will enter the decision and file it with the Clerk of
Verify that decision is reported on
Decision upon Arbitration form.
File stamp the Decision.
Enter the judgment on the Judgment Roll.
(See 1.18.1)
Write Judgment Roll number on the
Arbitration Docket.
G. Appeal - If an appeal is taken from
an arbitration decision,
it will be considered a new Common Pleas case,
will receive a new CP number, and processed accordingly.
6.7.3 Confiscation
and Forfeiture of Vehicles
Highway Safety Act provides for the confiscation and forfeiture of vehicles
driven by individuals arrested or convicted of a fourth or subsequent offense
of driving under suspension (DUS) within the last five years or a third offense
for driving under the influence (DUI) within the last ten years [§56-5-6240].
The vehicle is confiscated at the time of arrest. The sheriff or chief of police of the jurisdiction where the
vehicle was seized or his authorized agent must notify the registered owner of
the confiscation by certified mail within 72 hours of the confiscation. The registered owner must also be notified
that they have ten days from receipt of the notice to request a hearing before
the presiding judge or his designated hearing officer. A copy of this notice and proof of the date
of the registered owner’s receipt should also be served on the clerk.
A. Confiscation - Tasks
File stamp and index the notice of
confiscation with the pending warrants under the defendant’s name. If the registered owner is different from the
a note should be made in the index as to the name of the registered owner.
File the notice of confiscation with the
pending warrants by defendant’s name. If
there is no pending warrant on file, alphabetically file the notice, and when the warrant or ticket is
received attach the notice to it.
If the registered owner requests a hearing, file stamp the notice, notify the presiding judge or
designated hearing officer and set a date and time for the hearing. (The hearing must be held within ten days of
the date the request for hearing was received.)
Notify the registered owner and confiscating law
enforcement agency of the date,
After the hearing is held, the presiding judge or designated
hearing officer should prepare an order indicating the outcome of the
hearing. The order should be filed with
the notice of confiscation.
File the confiscation paperwork with
the warrant or ticket until disposition.
If the defendant is subsequently indicted, the confiscation paperwork will
move with the warrant to the indictment file and the law enforcement agency may
initiate forfeiture proceedings (See 6.7.3B). If the court determines the
vehicle should be released,
the clerk of court should prepare a Release of Confiscated Vehicle form for the
judge or designated hearing officer’s signature.
B. Forfeiture If the defendant is convicted of a fourth or
subsequent violation of DUI or DUS, the law enforcement agency may
initiate the forfeiture proceedings by filing a summons and complaint or
petition. Forfeiture does not proceed automatically upon conviction. If
forfeiture proceedings are not initiated by the confiscating law enforcement
the clerk need take no further action. A forfeiture proceeding is initiated by
the filing of a summons and complaint, a petition, or consent order.
Collect appropriate filing fee.
Enter information into CMS.
Index the case and file it numerically
with the pending Common Pleas cases.
This case should be placed on the motion calendar for
Upon disposition, all applicable steps for closing
case records should be completed (see 6.6.3).
If forfeiture is granted, judgment should be entered.
6.7.4 Reinstatement
of Permanently Revoked Driver's License
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-385, under certain conditions, a person may petition the Circuit
Court to reinstate driving privileges. Currently, a $200.00 filing fee is required
for processing and 100% of the revenue from this fee shall be paid to the county.
Verify that the petition contains:
Designation as a non-jury matter
Signature of filing party.
Collect the two hundred dollar
petition and copies.
Assign a Common Pleas (CP) case number.
Return copies of the filed petition with
the case number along with a receipt of payment of the filing fee to the party
who submitted the documents.
Add information into CMS.
If a Demand for Hearing Motion is filed by the solicitor, schedule the matter for the next
available non-jury term. If a Motion to Demand for Hearing is not received
within 30 days of the service of the petition on the solicitor, the petition may be forwarded, along with any other subsequent
to the Chief Administrative Judge for a ruling.
Upon the receipt of the final order, verify final order has been
Complete judgment form (Form 4, SCRCP). (See Section 1.10.1 for additional information on Form 4C.) File stamp order and judgment form, and provide copies to all the
parties affected by the judgment.
Enter disposition information and transmit the information to Court Administration.
6.7.5 Petition by
Minor for Judicial Consent for Abortion
The following code section governs petitions
filed by minors seeking judicial consent for abortion. Pursuant to S.C. Code
Ann. § 44-41-34(B) and (D),
the standard filing fee may be waived, hearings are closed to the public, and court records in such matters
must be sealed by the court.
§ 44-41-32. Petitioning court for right to obtain abortion without consent of
Every minor has the right to petition the
court for an order granting her the right to obtain an abortion without the
consent required in § 44-41-31(1). In seeking this relief the following
(1) The minor may prepare and file a
petition in either the circuit or family court. The petition may be filed in
the name of Jane Doe to protect the anonymity of the minor.
(2) The Adoption and Birth Parent
Services Division of the Department of Social Services, upon request of the minor, must provide assistance to the
minor in preparing and filing the petition. Preparation and filing of the
petition must be completed within forty-eight hours after the request. The
Department of Social Services shall promulgate regulations establishing the
procedures to be followed in providing this assistance.
(3) Upon the filing of the petition, the court shall appoint a
guardian ad litem for the minor, taking into consideration the
but the court shall advise her that she has a right to court-appointed counsel
(4) All proceedings pursuant to this
section must be given precedence over other matters pending before the court.
(5) The court shall hold a hearing and
rule on the merits of the petition within seventy-two hours of the filing of
the petition. This time may be extended upon the request of the minor. The
court shall consider the emotional development, maturity, intellect, and understanding of the minor;
the nature and possible consequences of the abortion and of the alternatives to
the abortion; and other evidence that the court may find useful in determining
whether the minor should be granted the right on her own behalf to consent to the
abortion or whether the abortion is in the best interest of the minor.
6.7.6 Foreign Subpoenas and Depositions in Out-of-State Actions
Pursuant to the Uniform Interstate Deposition and Discovery Act of 2010, when a subpoena issued from another state requires that a person attend and give testimony at a deposition, produce designated books, documents, records, electronically stored information or tangible items, or permit inspection of premises, a party must submit the subpoena to the clerk of court of the county in which the discovery is sought to be conducted in this state. A foreign subpoena means subpoena issued under authority of a court of record of a foreign jurisdiction (SC Code Ann. §15-47-110(3)). SC Code Ann. §15-47-100(B) provides when a party submits a foreign subpoena to a clerk of court in this state, the clerk in accordance with the rules of court, promptly shall issue a subpoena for service upon the person to which the foreign subpoena is directed. The subpoena must incorporate the terms used in the foreign subpoena and contain or be accompanied by the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all counsel of record in the proceeding to which the subpoena relates and of any party not represented by counsel.
Upon receipt of a foreign subpoena, the clerk should charge the $50.00 filing fee set by order of the Chief Justice dated February 21, 2003, effective March 1, 2003. A civil action coversheet should be attached. No other documents are required to be filed along with the foreign subpoena.
The clerk should assign the subpoena a Common Pleas number.
The clerk should then promptly issue a subpoena for service upon the person to which the foreign subpoena is directed. The subpoena should include the terms used in the foreign subpoena and contain or be accompanied by the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all counsel of record in the proceeding to which the subpoena relates and of any party not represented by counsel.
The clerk should file the original foreign subpoena and also keep a copy of the subpoena that the clerk issues.
Once entered into the system, the case should be opened and closed immediately since it is likely that no further action will be necessary by the court issuing the subpoena. The judge code that should be used to close this case is the Clerk of Court Code 2099.
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §15-50-10 et seq, a structured settlement means an
arrangement for periodic payment of damages for personal injuries or sickness
established by settlement or judgment in resolution of a tort claim. A structured settlement agreement means the
or release outlining the terms of a structured settlement. Tasks:
File stamp the documents and copies (if
provided). If the structured settlement is initiating a case, assign a Common Pleas (CP) case
number. (See 6.3.1)
Collect filing fee. The amount of the
filing fee will depend on whether the structured settlement initiates the case
($150) or if it is being submitted after a summons and complaint have been
filed ($25).
If a hearing is requested, schedule the hearing on the
non-jury motions calendar. If the settlement agreement is being presented for
the court’s approval,
forward the agreement to the judge.
Pursuant to S.C. Code § 41-15-26 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, an administrative warrant is issued by a Circuit Court judge. The Administrative Warrant, a copy of the Return and all papers in connection therewith, are to be filed with the Clerk of Court. S.C. Code § 41-15-26(B)(4) requires that the Administrative Warrant, a copy of the Return, and supporting affidavit and documents be kept for a period of three years from the date of the issuance of each warrant. Tasks: File
stamp the Administrative Warrant,
Copy of the Return, and all
papers in connection therewith and copies.
the Administrative Warrant a Common Pleas number. Return
copies of the filed Administrative Warrant with the case number to the
party who submitted the documents. The
Administrative Warrant shall be filed along with a copy of the Return and
all papers in connection therewith. Once
entered into the system, the
case should be opened and closed immediately since it is likely no further
action will be necessary. The judge code that should be used to close this case is the code 2099 for Clerk of Court.
6.7.9 Motions
to Quash Subpoena When Subpoena is Issued in Another
time to time you will receive a Motion to Quash Subpoena for a Subpoena that
was issued in your county and the action is located in another county. Tasks: Collect a Civil Action Coversheet. The NOA code used for
this is 660. Collect a Motion Coversheet with the Motion to Quash
Collect the $25.00 Motion Filing Fee
Assign the Hearing for the Motion to Quash Once the hearing is heard,
the case should be disposed. The judge code that
should be used to close this case is the code for the Clerk of Court, 2099, for
systems that accept a 4-digit judge code and 099 for those systems that accept
3-digit judge codes. 6.7.10 Common Pleas Court Subpoenas A. Pursuant to Rule 45, SCRCP, the clerk of court shall issue a subpoena, signed but otherwise in blank to a party requesting it, who shall complete it before service. An attorney as an officer of the court may also issue and sign a subpoena on behalf of a court in which the attorney is authorized to practice. There is a subpoena form (SCCA 254) for a civil action located in the forms section of the SC Judicial Department website which you may use to issue a subpoena. B. Subpoenas for cases in other counties
From time to time, you may receive a request to issue a subpoena from your county for a case that is filed in another county. When this situation occurs, you should issue the subpoena and list the other county’s case number on the subpoena. You do not need to open a new case. You should maintain a copy of the subpoena for your files. This procedure is pursuant to Rule 45(a)(2), SCRCP, which states a subpoena for attendance at a deposition shall issue from the court for the county designated by the notice of deposition as the county in which the deposition is to be taken. If separate from a subpoena commanding the attendance of a person, a subpoena for production or inspection shall issue from the court for the county in which production or inspection is to be made. Provided, however, that a subpoena to a person who is not a party or an officer, director, or managing agent of a party, commanding attendance at a deposition or production or inspection shall issue from the court for the county in which the non-party resides or is employed or regularly transacts business in person. C. Signing Subpoenas
Rule 45(a)(3), SCRCP, states the clerk shall issue a subpoena, signed but otherwise blank, to a party requesting it, who shall complete it before service. The clerk of court should not use an electronic signature or signature stamp when issuing subpoenas. All subpoenas should be signed by the clerk or their appointed deputy clerk.\
6.7.11 Business Courts Statewide Pilot Program
The Supreme Court issued an Order dated September 17, 2014 which designates the Business Court Judges and the procedures for the Statewide Business Court Pilot Program. You may review the order by clicking on the above link. This program was created as an option to litigate complex business, corporate, and commercial matters in the Circuit Courts of South Carolina.
Attorneys petitioning assignment of a case to the Business Court shall request assignment no later than 180 days after the commencement of the action. This requirement may be waived by the Business Court Judge. A. Assigning a Case to the Business Courts Statewide Pilot Program Tasks:
The clerk of court will receive from the petitioner the original and at least one copy of the Motion for Case Assignment to the Business Court Program (SCCABC 101) along with the motion coversheet. The clerk shall clock-stamp both the original and the copy(ies) of the motion and accept the $25.00 motion fee. Please note that prior to the motion being filed with the clerk of court, the case will be initiated with a summons and complaint. The clerk shall file the original motion and return the copy(ies) to the petitioner. The clerk shall enter the motion into CMS. The clerk should not schedule a hearing for this motion.
Note: The petitioner shall send a copy of the clocked-in motion (SCCABC 101) to the Chief Justice for review. The Chief Justice will then forward the SCCA BC 101 form to a Business Court Judge for consideration and recommendation. Upon the receipt of the SCCA BC 101 Form, the Business Court Judge shall make a recommendation to the Chief Justice regarding assignment of the case to the Business Court.
Whether the Motion for Case Assignment is approved or denied by the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court shall send an Order to the clerk of court for filing. The Supreme Court shall also send copies of the signed order to the assigned Business Court Judge and to Court Administration. Upon receipt of the original signed order, the clerk shall file the order, scan the order, and enter the order into CMS. If the case is assigned to Business Court, the clerk shall indicate in CMS which regional Business Court judge is assigned to the case. The clerk shall send a copy of the clocked-in order signed by the Chief Justice to all counsel, case parties, and the business court judge assigned to the case. B. Motions for Cases Assigned to the Business Court Pilot Program From time to time, motions may be filed in cases that are assigned to the Business Court Pilot Program. The motions will be filed with the clerk of court along with the motion coversheet and the $25.00 motion fee. The motions will not be placed on the motion calendar. Tasks: Verify the case number and proper signatures appear on documents to be filed and that the motion coversheet is attached. File stamp the motion.
Mail a copy of the clocked-in motion to the assigned Business Court Judge, as indicated in CMS. The Business Court Judge shall schedule all hearings and/or the trial associated with the case.