Charleston to Host South Carolina Supreme Court Oral Arguments at The Citadel

Charleston Gears Up for Exciting Judicial Event at The Citadel

Charleston residents, mark your calendars! This upcoming week, the city will play host to a special event that gives the public a rare peek into the inner workings of the state’s judicial system. The South Carolina Supreme Court will be hearing oral arguments at The Citadel on September 10-11, and you’re invited to witness it all firsthand!

Experience Justice in Action

For those unfamiliar, the Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the state, and its sessions are not something you get to witness every day. According to a news release from The Citadel, all proceedings will take place in the newly constructed Capers Hall Auditorium, and the best part? It’s completely free and open to the public!

Chief Justice John W. Kittredge expressed his enthusiasm about this opportunity for public engagement. He stated, “Indeed, the primary reason we travel all over our great state is to give students and other members of the public a real civics lesson in the Judicial Branch of government.” This is an incredible opportunity that not only provides insight into the law but also encourages community involvement and understanding.

What to Expect During the Sessions

During the two-day event, the justices will hear arguments in a mix of cases, comprising both civil and criminal matters. There will be a total of four cases on the docket, with two being heard each day. The arguments on September 10 will kick off at 9 a.m., while on September 11, they’ll start at 10 a.m.. This will provide attendees a unique chance to see how the law is interpreted and applied in real scenarios.

But wait, there’s more! Following each argument, the justices will entertain questions from the audience. This aspect adds an interactive element to the proceedings, allowing the public to engage with the judges directly and gain further insights into the legal processes at play.

Seating and Accessibility

With only 250 seats available, folks are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot in the auditorium. Seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to get there ahead of time if you want a good view of the action. Plus, The Citadel is expecting various local K-12 classes to join, making it a great educational experience for students.

If you’re planning to attend, there will be public parking options available along the Avenue of Remembrance, as well as designated visitor parking detailed on The Citadel’s official website. Easy access means you can focus entirely on soaking in this unique experience.

A Legal Clinic for the Community

September 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Citadel’s Holliday Alumni Center will host a free legal clinic. This clinic aims to assist those who may struggle to access such services otherwise, offering aid in expungements, wills, and other important legal matters.

This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Charleston School of Law, the University of South Carolina’s Joseph Rice School of Law, South Carolina Legal Services, and Charleston Legal Access. It’s an excellent opportunity for those who need guidance and support but may not have the means to afford it.

Looking Forward to It!

So, there you have it! A cozy couple of days of legal education awaits us right here in Charleston. Whether you’re itching to learn more about the legal system, enjoy a day out in the sunshine (with temperatures hitting a pleasant 84°F), or want to tie up loose ends with some legal advice, you’re covered. Remember to check the weather too, as it promises sunny skies and a chance for partly cloudy evenings.

We hope to see folks come out to witness the Supreme Court at work and take advantage of a fantastic legal clinic available for the community. See you there!