Union County Court Room  Security

This order supersedes the July 25, 2000, order issued by the Chief Justice concerning courtroom security.

I FIND that the Circuit Courts, Family Courts, and Probate Courts of South Carolina have the need and authority to protect judges, parties and witnesses from physical harm and injury; and,

I FURTHER FIND that the methods of providing security for the Circuit Courts, Family Courts and the Probate Courts are often unsatisfactory, and are not uniform throughout the State.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to Art. V, § 4, of the South Carolina Constitutionhis order supersedes the July 25, 2000, order issued by the Chief Justice concerning courtroom security.

I FIND that the Circuit Courts, Family Courts, and Probate Courts of South Carolina have the need and authority to protect judges, parties and witnesses from physical harm and injury; and,

I FURTHER FIND that the methods of providing security for the Circuit Courts, Family Courts and the Probate Courts are often unsatisfactory, and are not uniform throughout the State.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to Art. V, § 4, of the South Carolina Constitution 

IS ORDERED that county governing authorities shall provide courtroom security for each term of Circuit Court, if requested by the Circuit Court judge. This request may require the presence of a law enforcement officer in the courtroom, or that a law enforcement officer be immediately available to provide assistance in the courtroom upon request by the presiding judge. The Chief Circuit Court Judge for Administrative Purposes is empowered to issue administrative orders as necessary to ensure adequate security.

IT IS ORDERED that county governing authorities shall provide courtroom security during each term of Family Court. A law enforcement officer shall be present in each Family Court courtroom while the court is in session, unless excused by the presiding Family Court Judge or the Chief Family Court Judge for Administrative Purposes, in which event, upon request by the presiding judge, an officer shall be immediately available to provide assistance in the courtroom. The Chief Family Court Judge for Administrative Purposes is empowered to issue administrative orders as necessary to ensure adequate security