South Carolina
South Carolina’s highest court is the Supreme Court of South Carolina. The court has four associate justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is selected according to the same procedures as their peers on the court. (Source: South Carolina Judicial Branch)
Judicial Selection
The legislature appoints justices to a 10-year term on the Supreme Court of South Carolina selected from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. Justices may stand for reappointment by the legislature to additional terms in the same appointment process. To fill an interim vacancy, the legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. If less than one year remains of the unexpired term the governor may appoint a candidate instead. The appointed justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 72.
State Constitution
South Carolina has had seven state constitutions adopted between 1776 and 1895. As of January 1, 2024, it had 502 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
The Active Environmental Agendas of State Attorneys General
The U.S. Supreme Court this week paved the way for Democratic attorneys general to proceed with suits against fossil fuel companies under state law.
Trump’s Threats to Withhold Disaster Relief Undermine Federalism Principles
The administration’s attempt to extract promises from states in exchange for federal funds also disregards established law preventing federal overreach into state matters.
Executive Orders and Threatened Cuts Challenge Public Education and the Courts
Education rights expert Joshua Weishart discusses the effects of Trump’s education policy changes and how states are pushing back.
State Constitutional Resources We Love
For those who want to know more about state constitutions, a compilation of tools including case databases, interactive maps, and more.
Protecting Youth in the Criminal Justice System
A man sentenced to life in prison at 18 years old explains why state laws that funnel kids into the adult system are unjust and short-sighted.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in February
Issues on the dockets include a fetal heartbeat law, police use of force, and academic freedom.
State Court Cases to Look for in 2025
Courts across the country will issue major rulings this year that will impact abortion rights, criminal justice, and more.
What the SCOTUS Term Means for State Courts
Some of the Court’s most important holdings — including on abortion, gun restrictions, and presidential immunity — have implications for state courts and constitutions.