Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2-19-110, masters-in-equity must be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the General Assembly for a term of six years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. No person is eligible to hold the office of master-in-equity who is not at the time of his appointment a citizen of the United States and of this State, has not attained the age of thirty-two years upon his appointment, has not been a licensed attorney for at least eight years upon his appointment, has not been a resident of this State for five years immediately preceding his appointment, and has not been found qualified by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission.
Each master-in-equity of this State qualifies by taking the oath required by the Constitution of this State before a justice of the Supreme Court, a judge of the Court of Appeals, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a circuit judge, the Clerk of the Supreme Court, a clerk of the court of common pleas, or a probate judge of the county and immediately enters upon his duties. The oath must be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.
A full-time master-in-equity is prohibited from engaging in the practice of law. A part-time master-in-equity may practice law but is prohibited from appearing before another master-in-equity. A standing master-in-equity may not serve as the probate judge of any county.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 15-1808; 1952 Code Section 15-1808; 1942 Code Section 3680; 1932 Code Section 3687; Civ. C. '22 Section 2224; Civ. C. '12 Section 1375; Civ. C. '02 Section 968; G. S. 784; R. S. 838; 1898 (22) 694; 1899 (33) 85; 1901 (26) 675; 1979 Act No. 164, Part II Section 3, eff July 1, 1979; 1988 Act No. 678, Part II, Section 4, eff January 1, 1989; 1996 Act No. 391, Part V, Section 5, eff June 4, 1996; 1997 Act No. 35, Section 5, eff May 21, 1997.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 11 - Masters And Referees
Section 14-11-10. Establishment of master-in-equity court.
Section 14-11-15. Equity courts.
Section 14-11-20. Appointment of master-in-equity; term.
Section 14-11-30. Compensation of master-in-equity.
Section 14-11-40. Accounting for fees and costs received.
Section 14-11-60. Appointment of special referee.
Section 14-11-70. Limitation on practice of law.
Section 14-11-80. General duties.
Section 14-11-85. Appeal from final judgment of master-in-equity.
Section 14-11-110. Master shall take testimony on application of party; procedure.
Section 14-11-120. Admission of deposition in evidence.
Section 14-11-130. Power to compel attendance of witnesses and to punish for contempt.
Section 14-11-150. Master may sell lands in another county.
Section 14-11-160. Master may sell real estate in any county under order by consent.
Section 14-11-170. Deposit of funds.
Section 14-11-190. Books of office.
Section 14-11-310. Masters-in-equity to collect certain fees.