Alliance Seeks Reconsideration in Kirton Appraiser Case
New Civil Liberties Alliance asks the South Carolina Administrative Law Court to revisit its decision upholding sanctions against appraiser Joseph Kirton.
South Carolina Criminal Justice News
Coverage of criminal justice in South Carolina focuses on the courts, sentencing, prisons, bail and prosecution that make up the state's justice system. This page covers reform efforts and the policy and legal decisions shaping how cases move from arrest to release.
Recent news
November 2, 2026
Murdaugh Defense Seeks Dismissal of Murder IndictmentsAlex Murdaugh's attorneys ask a judge to dismiss the original indictments, arguing the grand jury was misled by investigators' testimony.
October 27, 2026
Judge Authorizes DNA Testing in Murdaugh CaseA South Carolina judge granted defense requests for new forensic analysis ahead of the 2027 retrial.
October 26, 2026
Attorney Seeks Records in Murdaugh Jury Tampering ProbeA lawyer plans to sue South Carolina agencies to force the release of files related to jury tampering investigations.
October 15, 2026
South Carolina Court Reviews Adult Trial TransferJustices weigh the transfer of a teenage defendant to adult court in the 2021 murder case of Sanaa Amenhotep.
October 14, 2026
South Carolina Launched Riley's Readers ProgramThe initiative helps incarcerated parents in South Carolina connect with their children through recorded readings.
October 2, 2026
Murdaugh Defense Filed Motion Over Withheld EvidenceAttorneys allege prosecutors failed to disclose witness statements regarding police handling of potential weapons.
September 26, 2026
Judge Carmen Mullen Will Face Disciplinary HearingThe Commission on Judicial Conduct will hold a public hearing on September 29, 2026, regarding alleged judicial misconduct.
September 24, 2026
Anne Kearse Honored With Public Service AwardThe South Carolina Association of Justice recognized the attorney for her dedicated legal career.
September 22, 2026
Court Affirmed Prison Ruling in Wrongful Death LawsuitThe Fourth Circuit ruled that officials were protected by qualified immunity following a fatal 2020 prison stabbing.
September 21, 2026
South Carolina Court Reversed Murder ConvictionThe appellate court ordered a new trial after a judge failed to investigate alleged juror misconduct.
More in Criminal Justice
This section follows state sentencing and prison policy, bail rules, prosecutorial charging decisions, appellate rulings and wrongful conviction cases, along with reform bills moving through the statehouse. Coverage reaches from the capital to the rural counties, where circuit courts and local jails often carry the heaviest caseloads. Prison capacity and the cost of housing inmates recur as a constraint on nearly every policy debate. Changes to how prosecutors and judges apply existing law often matter as much as new legislation does.