Legal Reform

South Carolina ranks sixth in 2026 Federalism Scorecard

The State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism recently published its 2026 Federalism Scorecard, ranking states based on their ability to protect state decision-making from federal agency overreach. South Carolina ranked sixth nationally, down one spot from fifth in 2025, two spots from fourth in 2024 and three spots from...

Sam Aaron

Written by
October 12, 2026

  • South Carolina ranks sixth in 2026 Federalism Scorecard

    The State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism recently published its 2026 Federalism Scorecard, ranking states based on their ability to protect state decision-making from federal agency overreach. South Carolina ranked sixth nationally, down one spot from fifth in 2025, two spots from fourth in 2024 and three spots from...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    October 12, 2026

  • SCPC submits comments to South Carolina Supreme Court on Rule 5.4

    On September 10, 2026, the South Carolina Supreme Court requested written comments on Rule 5.4 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Rule 5.4 governs how lawyers remain professionally independent by banning attorneys from sharing fees with non-attorneys. The intent behind the rule is to ensure that attorneys' ethical duties to their...
    Robert Cathcart

    Written by
    September 25, 2026

  • Civil asset forfeiture: Seize first, prove later

    “The privileges and immunities of citizens of this State and of the United States under this Constitution shall not be abridged, nor shall any person be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.” –...
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    September 19, 2026

  • Where SC’s Attorney General candidates stand on judicial reform

    A recent poll from the South Carolina Policy Council found that 58% of voters support reforming the Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC). Currently, Legislators exert significant influence over the selection process due to their outsized control of the JMSC.  A bill making its way through the legislature would give the...
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    March 30, 2026

  • Judicial reform gathering momentum at the Statehouse

    Two very important legislative proposals that would make substantial changes to the judiciary are working their way through the Statehouse.    Both bills – H. 3530 (magistrate reforms) and H. 4755 (Judicial Merit Selection Commission reforms) – originated in the House. 
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    March 16, 2026

  • Cutting the weeds: Reining in bureaucracy

    Small business is the backbone of South Carolina’s economy.  They, along with their employees and consumers, are increasingly burdened by a plethora of regulation and red tape.   According to a study done by the National Association of Manufacturers, federal government regulations alone can cost businesses across the country upwards of $12,000 per employee.  Some regulations may be necessary, however with the combination of...
    Ethan Brawer

    Written by
    December 04, 2025

  • Will lawmakers move on liquor liability reform?

    Update 5/8/2025: In the final week of session, lawmakers reached an compromise on joint and several liability as it relates to liquor liability. The agreement focuses solely on liquor liability reform like SCPC recommended, aiming to provide direct relief to an industry in turmoil. This legislation is a great start—but...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    April 25, 2025

  • Analysis: South Carolina’s unfair civil liability system

    The civil liability system in South Carolina is placing an unfair burden on small and medium-sized businesses. This issue has been a focal point of legislative discussions for several years, though reform legislation died in the Senate in 2024. 
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    February 21, 2025

  • Looking ahead: Constitutional amendment heads to November ballot

    Update 10/24/2024: The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows:  "Must Section 4, Article II of the Constitution of this State, relating to voter qualifications, be amended so as to provide that only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen...
    William Morton

    Written by
    July 18, 2024

  • Judicial selections bill passes unanimously! (special session recap)

    On Wednesday, S.C. lawmakers met in Columbia for what is likely the last day of the 2024 legislative session, sending the new state budget, a bill enhancing the judicial selection process, and other items passed out of conference committee to the governor’s desk.
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    June 29, 2024