Legal Reform

  • SC lags behind northern neighbor when it comes to picking judges

    If you’ve followed the judicial reform discussion for much time, you’ve probably heard that South Carolina is one of two states where judges are legislatively elected, the other being Virginia. But a review by SCPC found large differences between the two when it comes to policy and procedure. In a few...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    September 23, 2023

  • 2024 a critical year as judicial reform gains steam

    A reform effort to tackle one of South Carolina’s most urgent issues is gaining major steam.   On Monday, S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson hosted a public discussion in Charleston with more than 30 state legislators to discuss judicial reform, urging members to address longstanding problems with how South Carolina...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    July 14, 2023

  • Seven steps to improve SC’s judicial system

    South Carolina’s judicial selection process is unusual and rife with issues that must quickly be addressed. Not only are higher-level state judges elected by the Legislature (a method used in just two states), but candidates for these seats must also be screened and nominated by a small legislatively controlled board....
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    April 11, 2023

  • Two bills would reduce unfairness in SC’s civil liability system

    A pair of House and Senate bills filed in February would move South Carolina’s civil liability laws in the right direction and a foster a legal environment that is fairer to businesses and more conducive to economic growth. The bills (S.533 and H.3933) would require juries or judges to consider nonparties in...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    March 02, 2023

  • South Carolina needs judicial reform

    1.20.22 UPDATE: Ahead of next month’s judicial elections, including for one seat on the state Supreme Court and Administrative Law Court, and many on the Court of Appeals, circuit court, and family court, enough candidates have dropped out that there are NO contested seats left. Lawmakers are left to choose from...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    November 19, 2021

  • Lawmakers need to fix SC’s magistrate system

    In South Carolina, magistrate judges have serious power, especially over the lives of everyday citizens. For many, their courtroom will be the final stop when it comes to adjudicating legal issues. This is why it is particularly alarming that in South Carolina, Senate delegations (often comprised of just one senator) still play a primary role in their appointment, as this influence totally undermines any chance of judicial...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    August 13, 2021

  • Why don’t more counties control local road funding?

    Despite the gas-tax-hike having passed in 2017, an alarming number of South Carolina’s roads and bridges are still crumbling. As bad as things are for state roads and highways, locally managed roads are sometimes in the worst condition, as they receive far less attention than big and costly transportation projects.   As lawmakers gear up for a new road funding bill heading into next year, it...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    July 23, 2021