The governing body of the municipalities or its agents may investigate any department of the municipal government and any office thereof and such governing body shall have the same power which a magistrate has to compel the attendance of witnesses and to require them to give evidence under oath in the same manner as is customary in the courts of this State. In case of contumacy of any person or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, any circuit court of this State or circuit judge thereof within the jurisdiction of which the municipality is located, upon application by the governing body of the municipality or its designated agent, may issue to such person an order requiring him to appear before the governing body of the municipality to produce evidence if so ordered or to give testimony on the matter under investigation. Any failure to obey an order of the court may be punished as a contempt thereof. Subpoenas shall be issued in the name of the municipality and shall be signed by a majority of the governing body. Subpoenas shall be issued to such persons as the governing body may designate.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-39; 1975 (59) 692.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 5 - Municipal Corporations
Section 5-7-10. Scope of chapter.
Section 5-7-20. Form and effect of corporate name of municipality.
Section 5-7-30. Powers conferred upon municipalities; surtax for parking spaces.
Section 5-7-32. Municipal code enforcement officers; appointment; powers and duties.
Section 5-7-40. Ownership and disposition of property by municipalities.
Section 5-7-50. Municipalities' acquisition of land, easement or right-of-way by condemnation.
Section 5-7-80. Ordinances relating to upkeep of property within municipality.
Section 5-7-130. Conflict of interests of municipal officer or employee.
Section 5-7-145. Lifeguard and safety services provided by coastal municipalities.
Section 5-7-160. Powers of municipality vested in council; quorum.
Section 5-7-190. Mayor pro tempore elected from council membership.
Section 5-7-220. Appointment and duties of municipal clerk.
Section 5-7-230. Appointment or election of municipal attorney and judge of municipal court.
Section 5-7-260. Acts of municipal council which are required to be done by ordinance.
Section 5-7-270. Form and procedures for introducing and passing ordinances.
Section 5-7-280. Adoption of standard codes or technical regulations in ordinances.
Section 5-7-290. Municipal ordinances to be codified; public inspection.
Section 5-7-300. Collection of delinquent ad valorem property taxes by municipalities.
Section 5-7-310. Provisions of Section 4-9-55 apply to general laws which affect municipalities.