CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- The South Carolina Supreme Court is holding court in the Lowcountry this week as part of its ongoing effort to educate and familiarize South Carolinians with the state’s judicial system.
Dozens of attendees, including current and former attorneys, members of the public, and students, gathered in Capers Hall Auditorium at The Citadel on Tuesday to hear lawyers argue cases in front of the five justices.
The high court occasionally hosts arguments outside of Columbia to provide people an opportunity to observe the proceedings. A term was set to be held several years ago in Charleston but was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The scheduled cases — a mix of civil and criminal — are designed to “stimulate critical thought, and give the audience a front-row perspective of the law in action,” according to the court.
James Moore, a trial lawyer arguing one of the cases this week, said he hopes that opening these hearings to the public will improve transparency in the system.