Opinion ID: 1282476
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Definition of created

Text: Respondents contend § 2-1-100 does not apply because the General Assembly merely expanded the current courts, rather than created new offices. The cardinal rule of statutory construction is to ascertain and effectuate the legislative intent whenever possible. Banker's Trust v. Bruce, 275 S.C. 35, 267 S.E.2d 424 (1980). The intent of § 2-1-100 is to prevent a member of the General Assembly from profiting from his position in the legislature by creating an office to serve his own personal interests. State ex. rel . Riley v. Martin, 274 S.C. 106, 115-118, 262 S.E.2d 404 (1980) (purpose of legislation is to prevent legislators from deriving directly or indirectly any pecuniary benefit from the enactment). Furthermore, this Court has previously held that the effect of the creation of an additional judgeship ... is the same as the creation of another court. State ex rel. McLeod v. Civil & Criminal Court of Horry Cty., 265 S.C. 114, 217 S.E.2d 23 (1975). We have also defined create to mean the bringing into being of something which did not exist before. Wright v. Ritz Theatre Co., 211 S.C. 161, 44 S.E.2d 308 (1947). See also Black's Law Dictionary 330 (1979). Therefore, we hold these positions were created by the provision in the 1995-96 Appropriations Act.