Judicial Election Reform

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AMEND SECTIONS 3, 8, AND 13, ARTICLE V OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE ELECTION OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICES, COURT OF APPEALS JUDGES, AND CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES, RESPECTIVELY, ALL SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THEY SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RATHER THAN BEING ELECTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO AMEND SECTION 18, ARTICLE V, RELATING TO VACANCIES IN THESE JUDGESHIPS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR UPON ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND TO DELETE PROVISIONS REGARDING UNEXPIRED TERMS NOT EXCEEDING ONE YEAR; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 27, ARTICLE V REGARDING PROVISIONS REQUIRING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ESTABLISH A JUDICIAL MERIT SCREENING COMMISSION.