Overview

• The South Carolina courts are both state and locally funded.  The state pays the salaries of judges, secretaries, law clerks and court reporters.  The county pays the salaries of the clerks of court and also pays for the facilities, including offices for family and circuit court judges.
• South Carolina’s appropriation was reduced from $71.2 million in FY11 to $68.1 million in FY12.  The FY 12 budget includes a one-time nonrecurring appropriation of $5,000,000 to begin the implementation of e-filing. Its FY11 budget had been increased during the fiscal year. They will be able to maintain the same number of judges and staff and maintain spending on operating costs.
• To reduce spending, South Carolina has delayed filling judicial vacancies and delayed filling vacancies in the clerks’ offices and in judicial support positions and reduced the use of retired judges and travel.  They have frozen the salaries of judges and staff.   These reductions were implemented in prior years and have been continued into the current year. The South Carolina courts have continued their diligence for cost saving opportunities in all areas of operations. 
• Technology initiatives include e-filing, an electronic document management system, e-payment of fines and fees and videoconferencing of hearings.  Most of these technology initiatives are in the implementation stage with some nearly complete and at least one still in the preliminary stage.
• The South Carolina Judicial Department through technology improvements and strong leadership has positioned itself to maintain access on a timely basis to the citizens of SC.

Reports and Articles

Gavel to Gavel

• Database. Search the Gavel to Gavel legislation database based on state, year, legislation category, or any combination.