Ļć½¶Šć will host the for a special term of court this spring, offering students, educators and community members a rare opportunity to witness the stateās highest court in action.
The Court will convene inĀ Belk AuditoriumĀ onĀ Tuesday, March 31, andĀ Wednesday, April 1, hearing two cases each morning. Hearings will take place at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. daily. After each argument, the justices will entertain questions from the students.
will livestream both days of proceedings.
Educational opportunity for students and schools
Ļć½¶Šć will welcome middle school and high school students from local schools, along with Ļć½¶Šć students from across academic disciplines. The sessions will give young people a first-hand look at the judicial process, appellate arguments, and the role of the judiciary in state government.
Ļć½¶Šć president Dr. Anita Gustafson said hosting the stateās highest court reflects the collegeās longstanding commitment to public service, civic education and democratic engagement.
āWe are honored to welcome the Supreme Court of South Carolina to Ļć½¶Šć,ā Gustafson said. āProviding our studentsāand students from throughout the regionāan opportunity to witness the judicial process in action aligns perfectly with Ļć½¶Šćās mission. We challenge our students to become engaged citizens who understand how institutions of government operate and why they matter.ā
We are honored to welcome the Supreme Court of South Carolina to Ļć½¶Šć. Providing our studentsāand students from throughout the regionāan opportunity to witness the judicial process in action aligns perfectly with Ļć½¶Šćās mission.”
Dr. Anita Gustafson, President of Ļć½¶Šć
About the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of South Carolina is the stateās highest appellate authority. The Court is composed of a chief justice and four associate justices, all elected by the to staggered 10-year terms. Justices may be re-elected to additional terms.
The Court exercises both appellate and original jurisdiction. It has exclusive authority to hear appeals involving death sentences, constitutional challenges, election matters, bonded indebtedness and certain orders from the and . The Court also reviews family and circuit court rulings in post-conviction relief cases. The Supreme Court may also review a decision of the by issuing a writ of certiorari, and it may affirm, reverse, or modify the Court of Appeals’ decision.
In its original jurisdiction, the Supreme Court may agree to hear cases directly when significant public interest is involved. The Court may also answer legal questions certified by federal courts or the highest courts of other states.
A tradition of judicial engagement
Since its creation in 1868, the Supreme Court of South Carolina has periodically held special sessions outside of Columbia to expand public access and engage with schools and communities. The session at Ļć½¶Šć continues that tradition, allowing students and citizens to observe the deliberative process of the stateās judicial branch.
“The Supreme Court cares deeply about the state of South Carolina and its citizens,” said . “We hope you will sense that commitment, and in turn, you will gain an appreciation and respect for all in the Judicial Branch who strive to uphold the rule of law. Please join the Supreme Court at Ļć½¶Šć!”
Open to the public
All proceedings in Belk Auditorium are free and open to the public, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Further details about parking and visitor guidance will be announced closer to the event.
