State Supreme Court

South Carolina Supreme Court: The Highest Court in the State

Overview

The Supreme Court of South Carolina is the state's highest court and the final authority on state law. It is composed of a Chief Justice and four Associate Justices who are elected to ten-year terms.

Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over all cases arising from lower state courts, as well as original jurisdiction over certain types of cases, such as election contests and habeas corpus petitions. The court also has exclusive jurisdiction to review decisions of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, which is the state's intermediate appellate court.

History

The Supreme Court of South Carolina was established in 1783, shortly after the state ratified the U.S. Constitution. The court has met in various locations throughout its history, including Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. The current courthouse is located in Columbia, the state capital.

Judicial Process

The Supreme Court typically hears cases in panels of three or five justices. The court may issue a written opinion or a per curiam opinion, which is an opinion of the court without individual author attribution. The court's decisions are binding on all lower state courts and are influential in the interpretation of state law.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court of South Carolina is a respected and powerful institution that plays a vital role in the state's legal system. The court's decisions have a significant impact on the lives of all South Carolinians.