State of the Judiciary address from Chief Justice Toal
February 17, 2012
South Carolina: Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Hoefer Toal delivered her State of the Judiciary address to the South Carolina General Assembly on February 8, 2012. In her speech she honored the memory of District of South Carolina Judge Matthew J. Perry who passed away in 2011, calling him "a legend".[1] She also highlighted recent shifts made by the judicial department, including expanding funding sources so as to be less dependent on appropriations from the legislature and increasing the use of electronic systems.
Toal discussed the court system as a draw for economic development in the state. "It's a highly important factor in economic development, as I am learning more and more as I interact with South Carolina and American business leaders on the importance of the courts here and abroad."[2]
In reference to the judicial department's budget, Toal explained that the South Carolina courts are currently listed last of all the states in caseload. South Carolina judges file an average of 5,011 cases per year, more than double the national average of 1,791. She requested an increase in the judicial budget of $3.1 million in recurring funds to pay for nine new judge-ships and the staff to support them.[3]
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