High court to hear arguments at Coker University

COLUMBIA — Instead of its traditional chambers in Columbia, the South Carolina Supreme Court will hear oral arguments May 1-2 at Coker University, a news release from the court says.

As with its Columbia sessions, the arguments will be open to public as well as Coker University students and alumni and the legal community. Each session will begin at 10 a.m. at the university’s Watson Theater, 300 E. College Ave., Hartsville.

“The Supreme Court of South Carolina occasionally hosts oral arguments outside of Columbia to allow individuals interested in understanding the judicial and legal systems the opportunity to observe its proceedings,” the release says, including in Greenville, Horry, Orangeburg, Sumter, Spartanburg and York counties.

The cases to be heard are Coker are listed on the court’s case roster.

“The Supreme Court looks forward to hearing oral arguments in Darlington County, as we always do when holding court around the state,” Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty said in the release. “The primary reason for these terms of court is to enhance the civics education of our youth with a focus on the rule of law. The court serves everyone in South Carolina, and it is appropriate that we make the judicial process accessible to as many citizens as possible, especially students and young lawyers.”

In addition to the May 1 session, South Carolina attorneys and law students will have open the Palmetto LEADER, a fully operational mobile law office, from 1-4 p.m. Their services will include drafting wills, reviewing legal documents and providing legal counsel to those who are otherwise unable to afford it.