Supreme Court of South Carolina: New Rule 29 for Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement

SC Court Orders

Published January 9th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The Supreme Court of South Carolina has promulgated new Rule 29 of the Rules for Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement, establishing a standing committee of independent lawyers to handle ethical misconduct complaints against members of the Supreme Court. The order also amends the membership of this committee.

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What changed

The Supreme Court of South Carolina has issued an order establishing new Rule 29 of the Rules for Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement (RJDE), codified within Rule 502 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules. This new rule creates a standing committee of independent lawyers tasked with performing the duties of disciplinary counsel when ethical misconduct complaints are filed against a member of the Supreme Court. The order also amends the existing membership of this standing committee, naming a Chair, Vice-Chair, and other members.

This rule change is binding on legal professionals and judicial officers within South Carolina. Compliance involves understanding the scope of Rule 29 and the procedures for filing complaints against Supreme Court members. While no specific compliance deadline is mentioned beyond the immediate effective date, legal professionals should familiarize themselves with the new disciplinary framework and the composition of the committee to ensure adherence to judicial ethics and disciplinary procedures.

What to do next

Review and understand the provisions of new Rule 29 of the Rules for Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement.
Familiarize with the composition and role of the standing committee appointed to perform the duties of disciplinary counsel for Supreme Court members.
Ensure adherence to ethical standards and disciplinary procedures outlined in the new rule.

Source document (simplified)

The Supreme Court of South Carolina Re: Committee to Perform Duties of Disciplinary Counsel, Rule 29, RJDE, Rule 502, SCACR Appellate Case No. 2024-001253 ORDER By order dated August 20, 2025, the Supreme Court promulgated new Rule 29 of the Rules for Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement, which are found in Rule 502 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules. Pursuant to new Rule 29(b), the Court also appointed a standing committee of independent lawyers to perform the duties of disciplinary counsel when a complaint of ethical misconduct is made against a member of the Supreme Court. Effective immediately, the membership of the standing committee is amended as set forth below. A supplemental order will be issued naming a fifth member to the standing committee. John S. Nichols, Chair Elizabeth Van Doren Gray, Vice-Chair I.S. Leevy Johnson Meliah Bowers Jefferson s/ John W. Kittredge C.J. FOR THE COURT Columbia, South Carolina January 9, 2026