Source: http://www.sccourts.org/summaryCourtBenchBook/HTML/CivilN.htm
Timestamp: 2013-05-26 09:01:58
Document Index: 218541656

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 27', '§14', '§27', '§27', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§27', '§ 27']

Trial for Ejectment If the tenant appears to show cause, the magistrate should hold a trial as in the same manner as any other civil action, allowing a trial by jury if demanded by either party. (§§ 27-37-60, 27-37-80). Once the case is docketed, either party may request a jury trial. However, the jury trial request must be made in writing and delivered to the court no later than five (5) working days prior to the original bench trial date. Rule 13(c), SCRMC; see also Bowers v. Thomas, 373 S.C. 240, 644 S.E.2d 751 (2007) (stating that the bench trial date is what triggers the five (5) working days period for requesting a jury trial.) When setting the original bench trial, notions of due process would suggest that the trial should be scheduled with at least five (5) working days in order for either party to request a jury trial. S.C. Const. art. I, §14 (“The right of trial by jury shall be preserved inviolate.”) If a jury trial is requested by the tenant in a residential eviction, please see §27-40-790 concerning payment of rent pending trial. If a jury trial is requested by the tenant in a commercial eviction, please see §27-37-155, concerning payment of rent pending trial.
Upon a verdict for the landlord, the magistrate should issue a writ of ejectment and possession within five days, and the tenant should be ejected by the constable or sheriff. (§ 27-37-100). The constable or deputy sheriff should give the occupants 24 hours to vacate voluntarily. If the occupants refuse to vacate within 24 hours or the premises appear unoccupied, the constable or deputy sheriff shall announce his identity and purpose. If necessary, the deputy sheriff, but not a constable, may then enter the premises by force, using the least destructive means possible, in order to effectuate the ejectment. (§ 27-37-160). Again, any property may be deposited on the nearest roadside. §27-40-710(D).
If the verdict is in the tenant's favor, he may remain in possession of the property until the termination of his tenancy according to the agreement or by law, or until he fails to pay rent or is ejected upon another proceeding. (§ 27-37-110). f.