H.4402 and H.4406 would respectively make Family Court Judges and state Supreme Court Justices popularly elected. South Carolina’s judicial selection process is already politicized by the process of elections via the legislature. These bills would help to remove legislative dominance over Family Court Judges and state Supreme Court Justices, but they would also introduce a new partisan component into the selection process. Rather than making judges popularly elected South Carolina should follow the Federal model with judges appointed by the executive with the advice and consent of the Senate.
By South Carolina Policy Council
Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.