reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 8 - Court Of Appeals › Section 14-8-400. Terms of Court; order of docketing.

Subject to the supervision of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Chief Judge shall set the terms of court of the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court shall by rule prescribe and provide the order in which cases shall be docketed and heard.
HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 164 Part IV-A Section 1, eff July 1, 1979; 1983 Act No. 89 Section 1, eff June 2, 1983; 1983 Act No. 90, Section 2, eff July 1, 1985.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 8 - Court Of Appeals › Section 14-8-410. Where Court may sit.

The Court shall sit and maintain its principal offices in the City of Columbia; however, any hearing panel of the Court may hold court in any county in South Carolina for the purpose of hearing oral arguments and motions pending in cases before such court.
HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 164 Part IV-A Section 1, eff July 1, 1979; 1983 Act No. 89 Section 1, eff June 2, 1983; 1983 Act No. 90, Section 2, eff July 1, 1985.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 8 - Court Of Appeals › Section 14-8-420. Cases not heard in period allotted.

If the case on the calendar and set for hearing cannot be heard in the period allotted, the Court shall continue it to be heard after the regular call of the cases for that session or continue them until the next stated term.
HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 164 Part IV-A Section 1, eff July 1, 1979; 1979 Act No. 194 Part III Section 5, apparently effective Aug. 8, 1979.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 8 - Court Of Appeals › Section 14-8-430. Supreme Court to promulgate rules.

Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 14-3-940 and 14-3-950, the Supreme Court may establish and promulgate such rules as may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this article and to facilitate the work of the Court of Appeals.
HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 164 Part IV-A Section 1, eff July 1, 1979.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 8 - Court Of Appeals › Section 14-8-450. Court not limited to places designated by law for holding court.

The Court may be held in other buildings than those designated by law as places for holding courts and at a different place, at the same city, from that at which it is appointed to be held. Any one or more of the judges may adjourn the court with the like affect as if all were present.
HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 164 Part IV-A Section 1, eff July 1, 1979.
ARTICLE VII
Reports
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 8 - Court Of Appeals › Section 14-8-500. Publication and distribution of opinions and decisions.

Editing, publishing and distribution of the opinions and decisions of the Court shall be done in accordance with the procedures followed by the Supreme Court with respect to the editing, publishing and distribution of its opinions and decisions.
HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 164 Part IV-A Section 1, eff July 1, 1979; 1979 Act No. 194 Part III Section 5, apparently effective Aug. 8, 1979.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 8 - Court Of Appeals › Section 14-8-550. Court of Appeals to be part of unified judicial system.

The Court herein established shall be a part of the unified judicial system and the provisions of this chapter shall be construed in a manner consistent therewith.
HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 194 Part III Section 5, apparently effective Aug. 8, 1979.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-10. Petition and order for election upon question of establishing county court.

Whenever one third of the qualified registered electors of any county in this State shall file a petition with the clerk of the circuit court of such county praying for an election to be held in such county on the question of the establishment of a county court therein, the clerk shall within ten days make an order thereon and serve the same on the commissioners of election of such county requiring the commissioners to hold an election upon the question of establishing a county court in such county not later than sixty days nor earlier than forty days thereafter, after first giving at least thirty days' notice thereof in the newspapers of such county. The petition shall be accompanied by a certificate of the board of registration of the county that the names appearing upon the petition constitute one third of the qualified registered electors of such county.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-601; 1952 Code Section 15-601; 1942 Code Section 75; 1932 Code Section 75; Civ. P. '22 Section 72; Civ. C. '12 Section 3848; Civ. C. '02 Section 2750; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-20. Form of question to be submitted.

At any such election the question of the establishment of such a county court shall be submitted to the electors in this form: "Shall a county court be established for the county of __________?" inserting the name of the county in which the electors voting are resident. Upon this question the electors shall vote "Yes" or "No."
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-602; 1952 Code Section 15-602; 1942 Code Section 75; 1932 Code Section 75; Civ. P. '22 Section 72; Civ. C. '12 Section 3847; Civ. C. '02 Section 2750; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-30. Court established on a majority vote.

In the event a majority of the qualified electors voting at any such election shall vote "Yes" upon such question then such county court shall be established in and for such county in which a majority of the qualified electors so vote with such jurisdiction and powers as are herein provided.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-603; 1952 Code Section 15-603; 1942 Code Section 76; 1932 Code Section 76; Civ. P. '22 Section 73; Civ. C. '12 Section 3848; Civ. C. '02 Section 2751; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-40. Only one election permitted within four-year period.

An election on said question shall not be had in any county oftener than once in four years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-604; 1952 Code Section 15-604; 1942 Code Section 75; 1932 Code Section 75; Civ. P. '22 Section 72; Civ. C. '12 Section 3847; Civ. C. '02 Section 2750; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-50. Election of county judge; term; oath; commission.

At the next ensuing general election after a majority of the electors in any county shall have voted for the establishment of a county court, and every four years thereafter, the qualified electors in such county shall elect a resident attorney at law thereof as county judge. Such county judge shall be the presiding judge of the county court and shall hold his office for four years and until his successor has been elected and has qualified. The county judge, before entering upon the duties of his office, shall take the same oath of office as that required by law of circuit judges and shall be commissioned in the same manner as circuit judges.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-605; 1952 Code Section 15-605; 1942 Code Section 84; 1932 Code Section 84; Civ. P. '22 Section 81; Civ. C. '12 Section 3856; Civ. C. '02 Section 2759; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-60. Appointment of county solicitor; term.

Upon the establishment of any such county court the Governor, upon the recommendation of the members of the General Assembly from the county in which such county court has been established, shall appoint for such county a resident attorney at law as county solicitor, whose term of office shall continue until his successor shall have been elected by the qualified electors of the county at the next succeeding general election and until his successor qualifies. After the first term herein provided for, the term of the county solicitor shall be for four years and until the election and qualification of a successor, the qualified electors electing such successor at the general election occurring every four years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-606; 1952 Code Section 15-606; 1942 Code Section 96; 1932 Code Section 96; Civ. P. '22 Section 93; Civ. C. '12 Section 3868; Civ. C. '02 Section 2771; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-70. Appointment of stenographer; duties.

The county judge in each of the counties wherein a county court is established shall appoint for the county court an official stenographer, who shall attend upon the sessions of the court and perform the same duties in connection therewith as are performed by circuit stenographers in the circuit courts.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-607; 1952 Code Section 15-607; 1942 Code Section 100; 1932 Code Section 100; Civ. P. '22 Section 97; Civ. C. '12 Section 3872; Civ. C. '02 Section 2775; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-80. Clerk of circuit court is ex officio clerk of county court; duties; compensation.

The clerk of the circuit court shall be ex officio clerk of the county court, and shall keep such calendars, minutes and records of the county court and the causes therein pending, and attend and perform such duties as the clerk thereof, as is required of him by law as clerk of the circuit court. For services performed as clerk of the county court he shall receive the same compensation as if performed by him as clerk of the circuit court.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-608; 1952 Code Section 15-608; 1942 Code Section 90; 1932 Code Section 90; Civ. P. '22 Section 87; Civ. C. '12 Section 3862; Civ. C. '02 Section 2765; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-90. Duties and compensation of sheriff.

The sheriff of the county shall attend upon all sessions of the county court and shall be subject to the orders thereof. He shall execute the orders, writs and mandates of the county court as required by law of him with reference to the circuit court. For all such service he shall receive the same compensation as is allowed by law for similar services in the circuit court; provided, that for serving each venire for the county court the sheriff shall receive the sum of ten dollars.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-609; 1952 Code Section 15-609; 1942 Code Section 91; 1932 Code Section 91; Civ. P. '22 Section 88; Civ. C. '12 Section 3863; Civ. C. '02 Section 2766; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-100. Appointment and duties of bailiffs.

The presiding judge of the county court may appoint a sufficient number of bailiffs, not exceeding three, to attend upon the court and be subject to the orders thereof. Such bailiffs shall not be retained in attendance upon the court longer than the exigencies of the business of the court shall require.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-610; 1952 Code Section 15-610; 1942 Code Section 92; 1932 Code Section 92; Civ. P. '22 Section 89; Civ. C. '12 Section 3864; Civ. C. '02 Section 2767; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-110. Court of record; presumptions favoring jurisdiction and validity of judgments.

The county court shall be a court of record and the same presumption in favor of its jurisdiction and the validity of its judgments shall be indulged as in the case of judgments rendered by the circuit court.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-611; 1952 Code Section 15-611; 1942 Code Section 78; 1932 Code Section 78; Civ. C. '22 Section 75; Civ. C. '12 Section 3850; Civ. C. '02 Section 2753; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-120. Jurisdiction of county court.

Any such county court shall have jurisdiction to try and determine all criminal cases, except cases for murder, manslaughter, rape and attempt to rape, arson, common-law burglary, bribery and perjury. It shall likewise have jurisdiction to try and determine all civil cases and special proceedings, both at law and in equity, when the value of the property in controversy or the amount claimed does not exceed one thousand dollars, and it shall hear and determine appeals taken from judgments rendered by magistrates. But it shall not have jurisdiction to try any action involving the title to real estate.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-612; 1952 Code Section 15-612; 1942 Code Section 77; 1932 Code Section 77; Civ. P. '22 Section 74; Civ. C. '12 Section 3849; Civ. C. '02 Section 2752; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-130. Jurisdiction and powers of judge.

As to all cases and special proceedings within the jurisdiction of the county court and pending therein the county judge of the county shall have the same jurisdiction with reference thereto, both in open court and at chambers, as is possessed by circuit judges over cases pending in the circuit courts over which they are presiding or in the circuits in which they are resident.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-613; 1952 Code Section 15-613; 1942 Code Section 85; 1932 Code Section 85; Civ. P. '22 Section 82; Civ. C. '12 Section 3857; Civ. C. '02 Section 2760; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-140. Terms.

The county court shall hold its first term on the first Monday in the calendar month next succeeding the election and qualification of the county judge and shall hold a term beginning on the first Monday in every alternate month thereafter; provided, that should the time at which any term of any such court is fixed conflict with the time of holding the circuit court for the county then the term of the county court shall begin on the Monday succeeding the time for the final adjournment of the circuit court. The county court shall continue in session at each of its terms until the business before it has been disposed of. It shall be open for the trial of cases, civil and criminal, from the beginning to the end of each of its terms.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-614; 1952 Code Section 15-614; 1942 Code Section 86; 1932 Code Section 86; Civ. P. '22 Section 83; Civ. C. '12 Section 3858; Civ. C. '02 Section 2761; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-150. Laws which apply generally to circuit courts also apply to county courts.

All general laws and statutory provisions applying generally to the circuit courts of this State and trials of causes therein shall apply to the county court and the conduct and trial of causes therein when not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this chapter.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-615; 1952 Code Section 15-615; 1942 Code Section 80; 1932 Code Section 80; Civ. P. '22 Section 77; Civ. C. '12 Section 3852; Civ. C. '02 Section 2755; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-160. Forms of pleading and practice.

The same form of pleading and the same rules of procedure, practice and evidence shall obtain in the county court as is provided by law for the conduct and trial of cases, civil and criminal, in the circuit courts, except that criminal cases wherein the punishment does not exceed a fine of one hundred dollars and imprisonment for thirty days shall be tried without presentment by a grand jury on information filed by the county solicitor.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-616; 1952 Code Section 15-616; 1942 Code Section 79; 1932 Code Section 79; Civ. P. '22 Section 76; Civ. C. '12 Section 3851; Civ. C. '02 Section 2754; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-170. Grand jury.

The grand jury as drawn in accordance with law for service upon the court of general sessions in each of the counties shall constitute the grand jury for the county court and shall meet with the county court at each of its terms, except the term next succeeding each session of the circuit court, at which term the grand jury need not meet with the county court.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-617; 1952 Code Section 15-617; 1942 Code Section 87; 1932 Code Section 87; Civ. P. '22 Section 84; Civ. C. '12 Section 3859; Civ. C. '02 Section 2762; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-180. Petit jury; members; trial without a jury.

When a jury is required by law in the trial of causes, civil and criminal, in a county court, such jury shall consist of six persons. All criminal cases wherein the punishment does not exceed a fine of one hundred dollars or imprisonment for thirty days shall be tried before the county judge without a jury, unless a trial by jury is demanded by the accused. Such cases wherein a trial by jury is not so demanded shall be carried to the foot of the calendar, to await trial by the county judge after the jury cases for the term have been disposed of.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-618; 1952 Code Section 15-618; 1942 Code Section 83; 1932 Code Section 83; Civ. P. '22 Section 80; Civ. C. '12 Section 3855; Civ. C. '02 Section 2758; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-190. Board of jury commissioners; procedures for selecting jurors; attendance; excuse or discharge.

The board of jury commissioners as constituted by law in each of the counties of the State for the drawing of jurors for the circuit courts shall constitute the board of jury commissioners for the drawing of jurors to attend upon the sessions of the county court and the law relating to the qualifications, drawing and summoning of jurors for attendance upon the circuit courts shall apply to the qualifications, drawing and summoning of jurors for the county court, except that not more than eighteen person shall be drawn and summoned to attend at the same time at any session of the county court, unless the court shall otherwise order. Jurors drawn and summoned shall appear and attend upon the sessions of the county court for which summoned until excused or discharged by the judge presiding.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-619; 1952 Code Section 15-619; 1942 Code Section 88; 1932 Code Section 88; Civ. P. '22 Section 85; Civ. C. '12 Section 3860; Civ. C. '02 Section 2763; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-200. Right to challenge jurors in criminal cases.

In the selection of a jury for the trial of criminal cases in the county court, the accused, when charged with a misdemeanor, shall be entitled to peremptory challenges not exceeding three and the State two; and in the trial of cases of felony, the accused shall be entitled to peremptory challenges not exceeding five and the State three. When two or more persons are jointly indicted and so tried, the accused shall be jointly entitled to six peremptory challenges in cases of misdemeanor and eight peremptory challenges in cases of felony, and no more.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-620; 1952 Code Section 15-620; 1942 Code Section 82; 1932 Code Section 82; Civ. P. '22 Section 79; Civ. C. '12 Section 3854; Civ. C. '02 Section 2757; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-210. Indictments for county court cases by grand jury of court of general sessions.

The county solicitor shall prepare and, through the presiding judge of the court of general sessions, submit to the grand jury, while in attendance upon the court of general sessions, bills of indictment in all cases pending in the county court in which the punishment may exceed a fine of one hundred dollars or imprisonment for thirty days, when such cases have not been previously acted on by the grand jury. The grand jury shall act thereon and report its action to the presiding judge of the court of general sessions and said judge shall direct the clerk of the court of general sessions to report the same to the presiding judge of the county court at its next ensuing term. All cases in which bills of indictment are so found shall stand for trial by the county court as though found by the grand jury while in attendance upon the county court.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-621; 1952 Code Section 15-621; 1942 Code Section 89; 1932 Code Section 89; Civ. P. '22 Section 86; Civ. C. '12 Section 3861; Civ. C. '02 Section 2764; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-220. Duties of county solicitor.

The county solicitor shall represent the State in all cases brought before the county court wherein the State is a party and shall have the same powers and perform the same duties with reference thereto as a circuit solicitor with reference to cases brought before the court of general sessions. He shall also attend all inquests held by the coroner, aid in procuring evidence and represent the State in the examination of witnesses at such inquests. And he shall ex officio be the legal adviser of the governing body of the county without extra compensation.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-622; 1952 Code Section 15-622; 1942 Code Section 97; 1932 Code Section 97; Civ. P. '22 Section 94; Civ. C. '12 Section 3869; Civ. C. '02 Section 2772; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-230. Solicitor shall decide forum in cases of concurrent jurisdiction.

The circuit solicitor may direct what cases may be tried before the court of general sessions in all cases when such court has concurrent jurisdiction with the county court.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-623; 1952 Code Section 15-623; 1942 Code Section 94; 1932 Code Section 94; Civ. P. '22 Section 91; Civ. C. '12 Section 3866; Civ. C. '02 Section 2769; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-240. Judge and solicitor prohibited from practicing law in certain causes; violations.

The county judge and county solicitor shall not practice as attorneys at law in any cause or matter of which the county court has jurisdiction or may acquire jurisdiction. Upon conviction of any willful violation of this section the offender shall be adjudged to have forfeited his office and shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than two hundred nor more than five hundred dollars and be imprisoned for a period of not less than one month nor more than six months. But the county solicitor may practice in all causes and matters on the civil side of said court.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-624; 1952 Code Section 15-624; 1942 Code Section 99; 1932 Code Section 99; Civ. P. '22 Section 96; Civ. C. '12 Section 3871; Civ. C. '02 Section 2774; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-250. Compensation of jurors and witnesses.

Grand and petit jurors in attendance upon the sessions of the county court shall receive as a compensation for their services one dollar per day and five cents per mile for necessary travel in going to and returning from the county seat. Witnesses in attendance upon the county court shall receive the same compensation as witnesses in attendance upon the circuit court.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-626; 1952 Code Section 15-626; 1942 Code Section 93; 1932 Code Section 93; Civ. P. '22 Section 90; Civ. C. '12 Section 3865; Civ. C. '02 Section 2768; 1900 (23) 322.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 9 - County Courts › Section 14-9-260. Counties excepted.

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the counties of Abbeville, Anderson, Bamburg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Dorchester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Florence, Georgetown, Greenville, Greenwood, Horry, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Sumter, Union, Williamsburg and York.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-627; 1952 Code Section 15-627; 1942 Code Section 101; 1932 Code Section 101; Civ. P. '22 Section 98; Civ. C. '12 Section 3873; Civ. C. '02 Section 2776; 1900 (23) 322; 1934 (38) 1200.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-10. Establishment of master-in-equity court.

As a part of the unified judicial system, there is established in each of the counties of this State having a population of at least one hundred thirty thousand, according to the latest official United States Decennial Census, a master-in-equity court. The master-in-equity for the court must be appointed pursuant to the provisions of Section 14-11-20. Nothing in this section prohibits a county or area with a population of less than one hundred thirty thousand, according to the latest official United States Decennial Census, from having a part-time master-in-equity. The governing bodies of any two or more counties may join together to fund the office of master-in-equity to serve two or more counties. Funding of this master-in-equity must be borne by each county included on a per capita population basis.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1802; 1952 Code Section 15-1802; 1942 Code Section 3678; 1932 Code Section 3678; Civ. C. '22 Section 2219; Civ. C. '12 Section 1373; Civ. C. '02 Section 966; G. S. 782; 1910 (16) 609; 1914 (29) 26; 1916 (29) 805; 1920 (31) 764; 1921 (32) 139; 1923 (33) 131, 193; 1924 (33) 948; 1935 (39) 458; 1936 (39) 1531; 1939 (41) 230; 1979 Act No. 164 Part II Section 2, eff July 1, 1979; 1988 Act No. 678, Part II, Section 1, eff July 1, 1989.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-15. Equity courts.

The equity court is considered a division of the circuit court, and the master-in-equity, as judge of the equity court, is entitled to all the benefits and subject to all the requirements of the South Carolina Bar and the rules of the Supreme Court in the same respect as circuit court and family court judges. This section may not be construed as providing retirement for masters-in-equity under the provisions of Chapter 8 of Title 9.
HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 678, Part II, Section 3, eff January 1, 1989.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-20. Appointment of master-in-equity; term.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2-19-110, masters-in-equity must be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the General Assembly for a term of six years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. No person is eligible to hold the office of master-in-equity who is not at the time of his appointment a citizen of the United States and of this State, has not attained the age of thirty-two years upon his appointment, has not been a licensed attorney for at least eight years upon his appointment, has not been a resident of this State for five years immediately preceding his appointment, and has not been found qualified by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission.
Each master-in-equity of this State qualifies by taking the oath required by the Constitution of this State before a justice of the Supreme Court, a judge of the Court of Appeals, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a circuit judge, the Clerk of the Supreme Court, a clerk of the court of common pleas, or a probate judge of the county and immediately enters upon his duties. The oath must be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.
A full-time master-in-equity is prohibited from engaging in the practice of law. A part-time master-in-equity may practice law but is prohibited from appearing before another master-in-equity. A standing master-in-equity may not serve as the probate judge of any county.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1808; 1952 Code Section 15-1808; 1942 Code Section 3680; 1932 Code Section 3687; Civ. C. '22 Section 2224; Civ. C. '12 Section 1375; Civ. C. '02 Section 968; G. S. 784; R. S. 838; 1898 (22) 694; 1899 (33) 85; 1901 (26) 675; 1979 Act No. 164, Part II Section 3, eff July 1, 1979; 1988 Act No. 678, Part II, Section 4, eff January 1, 1989; 1996 Act No. 391, Part V, Section 5, eff June 4, 1996; 1997 Act No. 35, Section 5, eff May 21, 1997.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-40. Accounting for fees and costs received.

All fees and costs received and recovered by any master-in-equity shall be accounted for and paid into the general fund of the county as directed by the governing body thereof.
HISTORY: 1975 (59) 173; 1979 Act No. 164 Part II Section 5, eff July 1, 1979.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-50. Vacancies.

All vacancies in the office of master from death, resignation, removal from the State or any cause whatsoever shall be filled in the manner of original appointment for the unexpired term.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1810; 1952 Code Section 15-1810; 1942 Code Section 3682; 1932 Code Section 3689; Civ. C. '22 Section 2226; Civ. C. '12 Section 1377; Civ. C. '02 Section 970; G. S. 786; R. S. 840; 1840 (11) 154 Section 2; 1878 (16) 609 Section 7; 1882 (17) 1126; 1911 (27) 85; 1961 (52) 41; 1979 Act No. 164 Part II Section 6, eff July 1, 1979.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-60. Appointment of special referee.

In case of a vacancy in the office of master-in-equity or in case of the disqualification or disability of the master-in-equity from interest or any other reason for which cause can be shown the presiding circuit court judge, upon agreement of the parties, may appoint a special referee in any case who as to the case has all the powers of a master-in-equity. The special referee must be compensated by the parties involved in the action.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1811; 1952 Code Section 15-1811; 1942 Code Section 3684; 1932 Code Section 3691; Civ. C. '22 Section 2228; Civ. C. '12 Section 1379; Civ. C. '02 Section 972; G. S. 789; R. S. 843; 1840 (11) 154 Section 2; 1885 (19) 89; 1979 Act No. 164 Part II Section 7, eff July 1, 1979; 1988 Act No. 678, Part II, Section 6, eff January 1, 1989.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-70. Limitation on practice of law.

No person while he holds the office of full time master shall practice or be a partner with anyone engaged in the practice of law in this State.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1812; 1952 Code Section 15-1812; 1942 Code Section 3683; 1932 Code Section 3690; Civ. C. '22 Section 2227; Civ. C. '12 Section 1378; Civ. C. '02 Section 971; G. S. 783; R. S. 842; 1840 (11) 171 Section 30; 1878 (16) 609 Section 5; 1909 (26) 179; 1910 (26) 642; 1911 (27) 84; 1912 (27) 554; 1914 (28) 510; 1916 (29) 796, 798; 1920 (31) 964; 1925 (34) 97; 1926 (34) 1014; 1927 (35) 280; 1928 (35) 1162; 1979 Act No. 164 Part II Section 8, eff July 1, 1979.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-80. General duties.

The master shall make all such sales as the circumstances may require or as the court may order him to make in granting equitable relief and shall execute all proper conveyances thereof. Such sales shall be conducted at the county courthouse or at such other public places in the county designated in the notice of sale. He shall execute and perform all orders of the court upon references to him conformably to the practice of the court.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1814; 1952 Code Section 15-1814; 1942 Code Section 3685; 1932 Code Section 3692; Civ. C. '22 Section 2229; Civ. C. '12 Section 1380; Civ. C. '02 Section 973; G. S. 790; R. S. 844; 1840 (11) 156; 1979 Act No. 164 Part II Section 9, eff July 1, 1979.
Editor's Note
1988 Act No. 678, Part II, Section 2, effective January 1, 1989, provides as follows:
"The master-in-equity for each county presently holding office continues to serve as master-in-equity until the expiration of his term of office at which time his successor may be selected as provided by law."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-85. Appeal from final judgment of master-in-equity.

When some or all of the causes of action in a case are referred to a master-in-equity or special referee, the master or referee shall enter final judgment as to those causes of action, and an appeal from an order or judgment of the master or referee must be to the Supreme Court or the court of appeals as provided by the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules. A matter may not be referred to a master or referee for the purpose of making a report to the circuit court.
HISTORY: 1989 Act No. 36, Section 1, eff April 3, 1989. and applicable to all appeals from final judgment entered by master after July 25, 1988; 1999 Act No. 55, Section 17, eff June 1, 1999.
Editor's Note
1989 Act No. 36, Section 2, effective April 3, 1989, provides as follows:
"This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and is effective with respect to all appeals from final judgments entered by a master after July 25, 1988."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-100. Authority to administer oaths, and to take testimony, depositions, renunciations of dower, affidavits, and other instruments; fees.

The masters in this State, while in office, may administer oaths, take depositions, affidavits and renunciation of dower, probate deeds and other instruments and take testimony by commission as fully and effectually as the clerks of courts and notaries public. Their fees therefor shall be the same as allowed by law to other officers for similar services.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1816; 1952 Code Section 15-1816; 1942 Code Section 3689; 1932 Code Section 3697; Civ. C. '22 Section 2234; Civ. C. '12 Section 1385; 1909 (26) 90.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-110. Master shall take testimony on application of party; procedure.

The master shall, upon the application of either party to any cause or proceedings in which equitable relief is demanded pending and at issue in his county, take in writing the testimony of any witness who may be produced before him by any party to the cause, ten days' notice of such application having been given to the opposite party. Such witness shall be subject to the same examination, cross-examination and reply and the same exceptions as to the admissibility of testimony may be taken as are allowed by law upon examination before the court except that in case any testimony be objected to the master shall receive the same subject to the exceptions, reporting the exceptions and his ruling thereon.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1819; 1952 Code Section 15-1819; 1942 Code Section 3691; 1932 Code Section 3699; Civ. C. '22 Section 2236; Civ. C. '12 Section 1387; Civ. C. '02 Section 978; G. S. 793; R. S. 849; 1840 (11) 157, 158 Sections 10, 11, 12; 1878 (16) 609.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-120. Admission of deposition in evidence.

The deposition so taken may be read in evidence at the hearing, subject to the right of either party upon good cause shown to require the personal attendance and viva voce examination of the witness at the hearing.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1820; 1952 Code Section 15-1820; 1942 Code Section 3691; 1932 Code Section 3699; Civ. C. '22 Section 2236; Civ. C. '12 Section 1387; Civ. C. '02 Section 978; G. S. 793; R. S. 849; 1840 (11) 157, 158 Sections 10, 11, 12; 1878 (16) 609.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-130. Power to compel attendance of witnesses and to punish for contempt.

The master may compel the attendance of witnesses before him and punish for any contempt.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1821; 1952 Code Section 15-1821; 1942 Code Section 3691; 1932 Code Section 3699; Civ. C. '22 Section 2236; Civ. C. '12 Section 1387; Civ. C. '02 Section 978; G. S. 793; R. S. 849; 1878 (16) 609; 1840 (11) 157, 158 Sections 10, 11, 12.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-150. Master may sell lands in another county.

Whenever the court of common pleas in any county shall have acquired jurisdiction over real estate lying in another county the master for the county in which the action is brought may sell such real estate in the county in which the land is situated and all such sales heretofore made, otherwise valid and not appealed from, are hereby confirmed.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1823; 1952 Code Section 15-1823; 1942 Code Section 3686; 1932 Code Section 3693; Civ. C. '22 Section 2230; Civ. C. '12 Section 1381; Civ. C. '02 Section 974; R. S. 845; 1884 (18) 708.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-160. Master may sell real estate in any county under order by consent.

Whenever real estate is adjudged to be sold by a master such sale may take place by consent of the parties to the cause or their attorneys or, when infants are parties, by the consent of the guardians ad litem of such infants or their attorneys in any county which the court may direct. All such sales heretofore made and otherwise valid are hereby confirmed.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1824; 1952 Code Section 15-1824; 1942 Code Section 3687; 1932 Code Section 3694; Civ. C. '22 Section 2231; Civ. C. '12 Section 1382; Civ. C. '02 Section 975; R. S. 846; 1885 (19) 7.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-170. Deposit of funds.

The master shall deposit all funds in his hands in some bank located in the county.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1826; 1952 Code Section 15-1826; 1942 Code Section 3692; 1932 Code Section 3700; Civ. C. '22 Section 2237; Civ. C. '12 Section 1388; Civ. C. '02 Section 979; G. S. 794; R. S. 850; 1840 (11) 161 Section 16; 1868 (14) 16 Section 10; 1909 (26) 48; 1925 (34) 96; 1930 (36) 1233.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-190. Books of office.

The master shall keep a reference book in which he shall record all references held by him and the proceedings therein and a ledger in which shall be kept the account of all cases in his hands to the credit of which he may receive funds. When he shall cease to be master these books shall be deposited in the office of the clerk of the court of common pleas of his county.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1828; 1952 Code Section 15-1828; 1942 Code Section 3694; 1932 Code Section 3702; Civ. C. '22 Section 2239; Civ. C. '12 Section 1390; Civ. C. '02 Section 981; G. S. 796; R. S. 852.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees › Section 14-11-310. Masters-in-equity to collect certain fees.

Masters-in-equity shall collect the following fees which must be deposited in the general fund of the county:
(1) in actions for partitions, foreclosure of liens upon real property, or sales of real property, either in private or by auction, a fee of one hundred dollars. If the matter requires more than one day of hearing, there is a thirty-five dollar charge for each additional day or portion of the day until the matter is concluded;
(2) for the preparation of a deed, a fee of twenty-five dollars;
(3) on sales of land, a fee equal to one percent of the bid or of the funds passing through the court, whichever is greater. The minimum commission collectible under this item is twenty-five dollars, and the maximum commission is two thousand, five hundred dollars;
(4) for a supplemental proceeding, a fee of twenty-five dollars;
(5) in all other cases, fifty dollars for the first day's hearing or any portion of the day and for each day after the first day, thirty-five dollars. The fees must be assessed at the time of the order or report of the master-in-equity.
The fees provided for in this section, including the first day's fee provided for in item (5) and excluding the commission on sale, must be paid at the time the order of reference is signed and is nonrefundable unless so ordered by the master-in-equity on proper cause being shown. The cost of transcribing the record is in addition to the fees provided for in this section and must be assessed at the rate prescribed for circuit courts.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 27-201; 1952 Code Section 27-201; 1942 Code Section 4941; 1932 Code Section 4941; Civ. C. '22 Section 5746; Civ. C. '12 Section 4224; Civ. C. '02 Section 3113; 1894 (21) 933; 1911 (27) 85; 1921 (32) 123; 1925 (34) 76, 112; 1926 (34) 1037; 1939 (41) 173; 1948 (45) 1626; 1979 Act No. 164 Part II Section 11, eff July 1, 1979; 1988 Act No. 678, Part II, Section 7, eff July 25, 1988.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 13 - Court Reporting › Section 14-13-10. System of court reporting shall be standardized; records shall be retained permanently.

The system of court reporting of the circuit courts of the State, including those county courts having criminal jurisdiction shall be standardized and records of litigation and criminal proceedings in these courts shall be retained permanently.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1951; 1965 (54) 468.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 13 - Court Reporting › Section 14-13-20. Official reporter shall be responsible for maintaining records; proceeding may be recorded on discs or belts, or by direct electronic recordings.

The official reporter of each judicial circuit or county court having criminal jurisdiction shall be charged with full responsibility for compiling, indexing, filing and safely keeping the records permanently. The reporter may record the proceedings onto discs or belts of a type which will preserve the record permanently, with discs or belts being filed as the permanent record of proceedings or by direct electronic recordings supplemented by either shorthand or stenotype.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1952; 1965 (54) 468.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 13 - Court Reporting › Section 14-13-40. Court reporters shall file certificates of compliance with chapter.

Each reporter shall file with the resident judge of his circuit on or before the fifteenth day of January of each year a certificate certifying his compliance with the terms of this chapter, and a copy shall be filed with the clerk of the Supreme Court.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1954; 1965 (54) 468.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 15 - Court Stenographers And Bailiffs › Section 14-15-10. Appointment, term, and removal of court stenographer.

There shall be at least one court stenographer for each judicial circuit of the State, who shall be appointed by the circuit judge of the respective circuits for a period not exceeding the term for which the circuit judge making the appointment was elected, and such court stenographer shall be subject to removal by the circuit judge making the appointment.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1901; 1952 Code Section 15-1901; 1942 Code Section 596; 1932 Code Section 596; Civ. P. '22 Section 536; Civ. P. '12 Section 315; Civ. P. '02 Sections 277, 278; 1906 (25) 7; 1910 (26) 713; 1912 (27) 767, 774; 1919 (31) 101; 1972 (57) 2234.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 15 - Court Stenographers And Bailiffs › Section 14-15-15. Court reporters employed by Judicial Department subject to removal by Department or judge only for just cause; filling vacancies.

Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, all court reporters employed by the Judicial Department shall be subject to removal by the judge or the Judicial Department only for just cause. In the event that a vacancy occurs in a circuit or family court judgeship, the judge who fills the vacancy shall not be empowered to replace the court reporter previously hired by his predecessor. The judge may hire a court reporter when a vacancy occurs in the court reporter's position.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 466 Part II Section 38, eff June 15, 1982.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 15 - Court Stenographers And Bailiffs › Section 14-15-20. Assistant court stenographers may be appointed for certain judicial circuits; use as substitutes in other circuits.

In all judicial circuits of the State which have a population of more than one hundred seventy-five thousand persons, as determined by the latest official United States census, the resident circuit judge may appoint an assistant court stenographer whose duties, compensation and term of office shall be the same as provided for chief stenographers in Sections 14-15-10, 14-15-30 and 14-15-40. Provided, that assistant court stenographers shall be available for assignment in other judicial circuits to substitute for regular stenographers who are sick or otherwise incapacitated. The Chief Justice shall make such assignments.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1901.1; 1967 (55) 584.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 15 - Court Stenographers And Bailiffs › Section 14-15-30. Duties of stenographers.

Every stenographer so appointed, under the direction of the presiding judge of his circuit, shall take full stenographic notes of all proceedings including the rulings and charge of the court in every trial thereat. In case the presiding judge or the solicitor, for use in criminal cases, shall require a transcript of such stenographic notes the stenographer shall furnish the same written out in full.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1902; 1952 Code Section 15-1902; 1942 Code Section 596; 1932 Code Section 596; Civ. P. '22 Section 536; Civ. P. '12 Section 315; Civ. P. '02 Sections 277, 278; 1906 (25) 7; 1910 (26) 713; 1912 (27) 767, 774; 1919 (31) 101.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 14 - Courts › Chapter 15 - Court Stenographers And Bailiffs › Section 14-15-40. Fees of stenographers.

The Court Stenographers shall, in addition to their salaries, receive such fees for all transcripts furnished litigants as shall be provided by rule of the Supreme Court. The Court Reporters shall furnish a transcript of any case or any part thereof, after a demand for same has been made, within such time period as the Supreme Court shall provide by rule. Any sum so paid by any party for the transcript of any case or any part thereof shall be considered a necessary disbursement in the taxation of cost.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1903; 1952 Code Section 15-1903; 1942 Code Section 596; 1932 Code Section 596; Civ. P. '22 Section 536; Civ. P. '12 Section 315; Civ. P. '02 Sections 277, 278; 1906 (25) 7; 1910 (26) 713; 1912 (27) 767, 774; 1919 (31) 101; 1943 (43) 216; 1951 (47) 506; 1977 Act No. 219 Pt II Section 18.