(A) The responsibility of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission is to investigate and consider the qualifications of the candidates for judicial office in the administrative law judge division or on the family court, circuit court, court of appeals, or Supreme Court. Investigations and consideration of the commission should include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
(1) constitutional qualifications;
(2) ethical fitness;
(3) professional and academic ability;
(4) character;
(5) reputation;
(6) physical health;
(7) mental stability;
(8) experience; and
(9) judicial temperament.
(B) In making nominations, race, gender, national origin, and other demographic factors should be considered by the commission to ensure nondiscrimination to the greatest extent possible as to all segments of the population of the State.
HISTORY: 1994 Act No. 413, Section 1; 1996 Act No. 391, Part I, Section 1.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 19 - Election Of Justices And Judges
Section 2-19-10. Judicial Merit Selection Commission; appointment; qualifications; term.
Section 2-19-20. Investigation by Commission; publication of vacancies.
Section 2-19-25. Solicitation of Bar assessment.
Section 2-19-30. Hearings; executive session.
Section 2-19-35. Criteria for investigations and consideration of Commission.
Section 2-19-40. Exemption from hearing.
Section 2-19-50. Confidentiality of records, information and other material; destruction thereof.
Section 2-19-60. Powers of Commission.
Section 2-19-70. Prohibition against dual offices, privileges of the floor, and pledges.
Section 2-19-80. Nomination of qualified candidates to the General Assembly.
Section 2-19-90. Approval of General Assembly in joint session.
Section 2-19-100. Eligibility of retired judges for appointment.
Section 2-19-120. Citizens Committees on Judicial Qualifications; membership; compensation.