Supreme Court Seal
Supreme Court Seal
South Carolina
Judicial Branch
Rule 502.1
Judges's Oath

All members of the Unified Judicial System in this state shall take the following oath of office:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that:

I am duly qualified, according to the Constitution of this State, to exercise the duties of the office to which I have been appointed, and that I will, to the best of my ability, discharge those duties and will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of this State and of the United States;

I pledge to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary;

I pledge, in the discharge of my duties, to treat all persons who enter the courtroom with civility, fairness, and respect;

I pledge to listen courteously, sit impartially, act promptly, and rule after careful and considerate deliberation;

I pledge to seek justice, and justice alone;

[So help me God.]

Adopted by Order dated September 22, 2004, and effective immediately. This new Rule contains the Judge's Oath previously adopted by the Court.