In re Access to Justice Commission

Summary

This South Carolina Supreme Court administrative order establishes and governs the membership, appointment structure, terms, and responsibilities of the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission. The Commission is charged with assessing unmet civil legal needs, developing statewide civil legal-services strategies, coordinating providers, supporting funding, and expanding access to justice for low-income and modest-income South Carolinians.

Holdings

1. The Court established a twenty-five-member Access to Justice Commission with specified categories of members, appointment authorities, term lengths, and a maximum of two terms for members at the discretion of the Chief Justice.
2. The Commission is charged with identifying unmet civil legal needs, developing a statewide civil legal-services strategic plan, coordinating legal and nonlegal service providers, supporting funding and resource development, promoting efficient collaboration, developing access-to-justice initiatives, and addressing the needs of people who do not qualify for existing assistance programs.

Questions Presented

1. What membership structure, appointment authority, and term limits should govern the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission?
2. What goals, purposes, and responsibilities should the Commission have in expanding access to civil justice in South Carolina?

Disposition

other