At the request of the South Carolina Bar, the Court has amended Rule 410(q), SCACR, to permit inactive and retired members of the South Carolina Bar to provide pro bono legal services through a greater number and variety of organizations.
The Court has amended Rule 403, SCACR, to alter the trial experiences an attorney is required to complete before appearing as counsel in a hearing, trial, or deposition.
E-Filing Pilot Program to Expand to Hampton County and Allendale County on January 17, 2017
(12/15/2016)
Effective January 17, 2017, the E-Filing Pilot Program will expand to include Hampton and Allendale Counties in addition to Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Williamsburg, Greenville, Pickens, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Anderson, Oconee, Beaufort, and Jasper Counties.
Applicants interested in using laptops to complete their answers to the written compnents of the February 2017 South Carolina Bar Examination must complete and return the attached "Request to Participate" form by Friday, January 6, 2017.
Revised Judgment in a Civil Case Form (SCRCP Form 4C)
The video of the ceremony is now available.
E-Filing Pilot Program to Expand to Beaufort County and Jasper County on December 6, 2016
(11/15/2016)
Effective December 6, 2016, the E-Filing Pilot Program will expand to include Beaufort and Jasper Counties in addition to Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Williamsburg, Greenville, Pickens, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Anderson, and Oconee Counties.
At the request of the Commission on Alternative Dispute Resolution, the Supreme Court has amended several rules to alter the composition of the Commission and the qualifications of persons who may be certified as family court mediators.
At the request of the Commission on Lawyer Conduct and the Commission on Judicial Conduct, the Court has adopted several amendments to Rules 407 and Rule 413, SCACR.
Revised Juror Summons Form for Circuit Court
(10/24/2016)
Revised Juror Summons Form for Circuit Court
Results of the July 2016 Bar Examination
(10/21/2016)
The results of the July 2016 Bar Examination were posted on the Bar Admissions Page at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2016.
Effective November 1, 2016, the E-Filing Pilot Program will expand to include Oconee County in addition to Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Williamsburg, Greenville, Pickens, Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Anderson Counties.
Results of the July 2016 Bar Examination
(10/19/2016)
The results of the July 2016 Bar Examination will be posted on the Bar Admissions Page at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2016.
City of Charleston Homeless Court Pilot Program
(10/12/2016)
At the request of the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, Chief Justice Pleicones has signed an order creating a Homeless Court Program in Charleston.
Effective October 13, 2016, several changes have been made to the E-Filing System, including making the Order Coversheet an electronic document, altering the method for attaching exhibits, and changing the method of displaying certain documents in the case history.
Accordingly, this Court finds it appropriate to declare the days of Wednesday, October 5, 2016, though Friday, October 14, 2016, to be statewide "holidays" for the purposes of computing time under Rule 263 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules, Rule 6 of the South Carolina Rules Civil Procedure, Rule 35 of the South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure, and Rule 3 of the South Carolina Rules of Magistrates Court.
Inclement Weather Update
(10/04/2016)
Due to Hurricane Matthew, I am directing that all courtroom proceedings in state, county, and municipal courts follow the directives of county or municipal government officials. Regarding bond hearings and court closures due to inclement weather, a minimum of one bond hearing daily should be conducted, if at all possible.
Revised Motion Fee List
(09/29/2016)
Revised Motion Fee List
Tanya A. Gee – 1977-2016
(09/28/2016)
Tanya Amber Gee died well on September 28, 2016, of chondrosarcoma. She was 39.
The Supreme Court has amended Rule 31(g) and (h) of the Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement, which are contained in Rule 413, SCACR, concerning the appointment of an attorney to assist the receiver and the termination of a receivership.
Effective October 18, 2016, the E-Filing Pilot Program will expand to include Anderson County in addition to Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Williamsburg, Greenville, Pickens, Spartanburg, and Cherokee Counties.
Summary of E-Filing Public Comments and Responses
(09/13/2016)
The Judicial Department has prepared a summary of the most significant comments, with an explanation or instructions for E-Filing attorneys and their staff.
Due to a recently discovered technical problem in the E-Filing System, orders signed and submitted by attorneys serving as special referees may NOT be E-Filed, but should be submitted by the special referee using a Traditional filing method,
Inclement Weather Update
(09/01/2016)
Due to Hurricane Hermine, I am directing that all courtroom proceedings in state, county, and municipal courts follow the directives of county or municipal government officials.
Effective September 13, 2016, the E-Filing Pilot Program will expand to include Cherokee County in addition to Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Williamsburg, Greenville, Pickens, and Spartanburg Counties.
Chief Justice Costa Pleicones Addresses S.C. Judiciary at 2016 Annual Judicial Conference
(08/18/2016)
On Thursday, August 18, 2016, Chief Justice Costa Pleicones addressed members of South Carolina's Judiciary at the Annual Judicial Conference.
The Supreme Court has amended the Electronic Filing Policies and Guidelines to add an E-Filing exemption and to require the submission of the Technical Failure/Difficulty Form when an attorney seeks to file a document by a Traditional method of filing under Section 2(d) of the Policies and Guidelines.
At the request of the South Carolina Bar, the Court has amended Rule 411, SCACR, to reduce the annual assessment for all regular members and reduce the terms of service for members of the Lawyers' Fund or Client Protection Committee.
At the request of the South Carolina Bar, the Court has amended a number of provisions within the Rules of Professional Conduct contained in Rule 407, SCACR. These amendments incorporate modified versions of the American Bar Association's Commission on Ethics 20/20 revisions to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which recognize that technological advances have affected various obligations of lawyers related to advertising and solicitation.
Access to Justice Commission
(08/10/2016)
Revised amended order issued with reference to the Access to Justice Commission.
Effective August 23, 2016, the E-Filing Pilot Program will expand to include Spartanburg County in addition to Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Williamsburg, Greenville, and Pickens Counties.
Revised Website for the Office of Bar Admissions
(07/18/2016)
The Website for the Office of Bar Admissions of the Supreme Court of South Carolina has been revised completely.
The filing period for applications to take the February 2017 Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) in South Carolina will open on August 1, 2016.
E-Filing Announcement
(07/15/2016)
E-Filing announcement concerning the filing of Form 4 orders.
Revised General Sessions Sentence Sheet (SCCA/217)
(07/07/2016)
Pursuant to the provisions of S.C. Const. Art. V § 4, the General Sessions Sentence Sheet, SCCA 217, bearing a revision date of 07/2016, is approved for use in the Circuit Courts of the State of South Carolina, effective July 1, 2016.
Chief Judges for Administrative Purposes of the Summary Courts
Beginning in February 2017, South Carolina will use the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) prepared by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. To implement this change, the Court has filed an order amending Rule 402 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules.
Statutory provisions for the distribution of revenue generated by the circuit courts, and family courts; fees and related charges of the registers of deeds
Fee Memorandum - County Treasurers
(06/22/2016)
Statutory provisions for the distribution of revenue generated by the circuit courts, family courts, magistrates courts and municipal courts; fees and related charges of the registers of deeds
Fee Memorandum - Magistrates and Municipal Judges
(06/22/2016)
Statutory provisions for the distribution of revenue generated by the magistrate courts and municipal courts
Changes in Chief Administrative Judges
(06/20/2016)
Beginning July 3, 2016, the Chief Judges for Administrative Purposes will change in several judicial circuits.
Judicial Elections
(05/25/2016)
Judicial elections were held May 25, 2016.
Request for Written Comments
(05/25/2016)
The South Carolina Judicial Department is accepting written comments from attorney E-Filers concerning the current E-Filing Pilot Program in the Court of Common Pleas.
Applicants interested in using laptops to complete their answers to the essay sections of the July 2016 South Carolina Bar Examination must complete and return the attached "Request to Participate" form by Friday, June 10, 2016.
Supreme Court Agrees to Accept and Hear Oral Arguments in the Cases of Pascoe v. Parks and Pascoe v. Wilson
(05/18/2016)
Supreme Court Agrees to Accept and Hear Oral Arguments in the Cases of Pascoe v. Parks and Pascoe v. Wilson
Rule 425, SCACR, has been amended to transfer responsibility for administering the Mandatory Lawyer Mentoring Program to the South Carolina Bar.
Dedication of the Jean Hoefer Toal Conference Room
(05/17/2016)
The Supreme Court of South Carolina's Court Conference Room, will henceforth be know as the "Jean Hoefer Toal Conference Room" in recognition of her dedicated and impactful service to this Court and to the people of South Carolina
Revised/Created Uniform Expungement Forms
(05/16/2016)
Revised/Created Uniform Expungement Forms
Administrative Suspensions for Failure to Comply with Continuing Legal Education Requirements
(05/05/2016)
Pursuant to Rule 419(d)(2), SCACR, these lawyers are hereby suspended from the practice of law.
IT IS ORDERED that all South Carolina Circuit and Family Court Judges shall attend the Human Trafficking in the South Carolina Courts Summit on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, in Columbia, South Carolina.
Rule Amendments Effective
(04/27/2016)
Since ninety days have passed since submission without rejection by the General Assembly, the amendments contained in the referenced orders are effective immediately.
Effective May 3, 2016, the E-Filing Pilot Program will expand to include Pickens County in addition to Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Williamsburg, and Greenville Counties.
Results of the February 2016 Bar Examination
(04/22/2016)
The results of the February 2016 Bar Examination were posted on the Bar Admissions Page at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016.
The Court has amended Rule 410, SCACR, to reclassify members who are Workers' Compensation Commissioners.
The Court has amended the regulations concerning the number of continuing paralegal education hours required for paralegal certification.
The Court has adopted Rule 430, SCACR, which allows military spouse attorneys to be granted a limited certificate of admission in South Carolina, and amended Rules 403 and 410, SCACR, based on the new rule.
Amendments to the South Carolina Bar Constitution
(04/20/2016)
The Court has approved several amendments to the South Carolina Bar Constitution.
Results of the February 2016 Bar Examination
(04/19/2016)
The results of the February 2016 Bar Examination will be posted on the Bar Admissions Page at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016.
The Court has amended Rule 608(i), SCACR, to eliminate the requirement that clerks of court provide quarterly reports of appointments made under Rule 608.
The Court has amended Rule 18 of Rule 416, SCACR, concerning the appointment of members of the Resolution of Fee Disputes Board to hear matters in the event of a conflict of interest.
Civil Action Coversheet Revision
(03/28/2016)
The Civil Action Coversheet, SCCA/234, bearing a revision date of 03/2016 is approved for use in the Circuit Courts of the State of South Carolina. The Nature of Action Code for Permanent Restraining Order (608) has been added to the "Special/Complex/Other" section of the form.
Investiture Ceremony for Justice John Cannon Few
(03/24/2016)
The Investiture Ceremony for Justice John Cannon Few was held on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 4:00 pm at the Supreme Court. The ceremony was broadcast live and an archived version is now available for viewing.
Aiken v. Byars Administrative Order
(03/16/2016)
IT IS ORDERED that the following procedures shall be followed statewide in the management and disposition of all motions for resentencing filed pursuant to Aiken v. Byars, 410 S.C. 534, 765 S.E.2d 572 (SC 2014).
Investiture Ceremony for Justice John Cannon Few
(03/15/2016)
The Investiture Ceremony for Justice John Cannon Few will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 4:00 pm at the Supreme Court. The ceremony will be broadcast live and an archived version will be available on the South Carolina Judicial Department's Video Portal for later viewing.
Effective March 22, 2016, the E-Filing Pilot Program will expand to include Greenville County in addition to Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, and Williamsburg Counties. E-Filing is mandatory for attorneys in Pilot counties unless the type of case or the type of filing is excluded from the Pilot Program in accordance with the South Carolina Electronic Filing Policies and Guidelines. For more information go to http://www.sccourts.org/efiling/.
The Court has amended Rule 410, SCACR, to eliminate any license fee for Judicial Members who are retired judges and are at least sixty-five years of age.
The South Carolina Bar has furnished the attached list of lawyers (including those holding a limited certificate to practice law) who have failed to pay their license fees for 2016.
Chief Justice Costa M. Pleicones' State of the Judiciary Address Delivered Wednesday, February 24
(02/25/2016)
Chief Justice Costa M. Pleicones delivered his State of the Judiciary address to the General Assembly on February 24, 2016 at 12:00 noon.
Hazardous Weather Conditions
(02/24/2016)
Hazardous Weather Conditions
Chief Justice Costa M. Pleicones will deliver his State of the Judiciary address to the General Assembly on February 24, 2016 at 12:00 noon.
SCCA Form 430S Short Form Financial Declaration
(02/11/2016)
Short Form Financial Declaration Approved for use with Petition for Order of Protection
Effective February 8, 2016, the E-Filing Pilot Program will expand to include Williamsburg County in addition to Clarendon, Sumter, and Lee Counties. E-Filing is mandatory for attorneys in Pilot counties unless the type of case or the type of filing is excluded from the Pilot Program in accordance with the South Carolina Electronic Filing Policies and Guidelines. For more information go to http://www.sccourts.org/efiling/.
Judicial Elections
(02/03/2016)
Judicial elections were held February 3, 2016. Congratulations to the following judges who were elected by the General Assembly:
Probate Form Changes
(01/29/2016)
IT IS ORDERED that the attached list of Twenty-Nine (29) revised and new Probate Court Forms, incorporated by reference, are approved for use in the probate courts, hereby effective immediately.
Rule Changes Submitted to the General Assembly
(01/28/2016)
Pursuant to Article V, § 4A of the South Carolina Constitution, the following rule changes were submitted to the South Carolina General Assembly on January 28, 2016.
Designation of Associate Chief Magistrate in Clarendon County
The Supreme Court has amended the Electronic Filing Policies and Guidelines to clarify when Electronic Signatures should be used on E-Filed documents.
Adoption of the Uniform Bar Examination
(01/21/2016)
Pursuant to the Court's authority under Article V, § 4 of the South Carolina Constitution, and after consultation with the Board of Law Examiners and representatives of the South Carolina Bar, the Charleston School of Law, the University of South Carolina School of Law, and the National Conference of Bar Examiners, the Court will replace the current format of the South Carolina Bar Examination with the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE).
Inclement Weather Update
(01/21/2016)
Inclement Weather Update
The Supreme Court has amended Rule 601(a) of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules concerning the order of priority between General Sessions matters and certain merits hearings and juvenile criminal hearings in Family Court.
Grants or Denials of Petitions for Writs of Certiorari Under Rules 242, 243 and 247 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules
Attorneys appointed as special referees are exempt from mandatory E-Filing in cases where they are acting as special referees until further notice. This Order does not excuse attorneys who serve as special referees from mandatory E-Filing in cases where they are counsel for a party.
Effective January 19, 2016, the E-Filing Pilot Program will expand from Clarendon County to include Sumter County and Lee County.
The Investiture Ceremony for Chief Justice Costa Pleicones was held on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 4:00 pm at the Supreme Court. The ceremony was broadcast live and an archived version is now available for viewing.
Request for Approval of Self-Represented Litigant Request for Visitation Packet and Forms - Amended Order
(01/07/2016)
Request for Approval of Self-Represented Litigant Request for Visitation Packet and Forms - Amended Order
South Carolina Board of Paralegal Certification
(01/06/2016)
Based on nominations by the Board of Governors of the South Carolina Bar, nine persons have been appointed to serve on the South Carolina Board of Paralegal Certification.
Interest Rate on Money Decrees and Judgments
(01/05/2016)
The Supreme Court issues order regarding the legal rate of interest on money decrees and judgments.
Amended Business Court Pilot Program
(01/01/2016)
Pursuant to the provisions of S.C. Const. Art. V § 4, this Order supersedes the prior Order dated September 17, 2014 relating to the expansion of the South Carolina Business Court Pilot Program.
Delegation of Authority Business Court
(01/01/2016)
The Honorable Roger M. Young, Sr. is hereby appointed to serve as the Chief Business Court Judge for Administrative Purposes.
IT IS ORDERED that the judges of the magisterial courts listed below be designated as Chief Judge or Associate Chief Judge for Administrative Purposes of the Summary Courts in the counties in which they hold office.
Summary Court Judges Advisory Committee
(01/01/2016)
IT IS ORDERED that the following individuals shall serve on the Summary Court Judges Advisory Committee for the balance of the vacated three year term, which commenced June 3, 2013.