Note: Beginning in June 2012, opinions will be posted as Adobe PDFs. You can download a free copy of Adobe Reader here.
The summary following each opinion is prepared to offer lawyers and the public a general overview of what a particular opinion decides. The summary is not necessarily a full description of the issues discussed in an opinion.
4-1-2002 - Opinions
This post-conviction relief action involves the issue of whether the PCR court erred by finding petitioner received ineffective assistance of appellate counsel.
25435 - Quality Trailer Products v. CSL
Trial motions are construed according to their content, despite how they are captioned. Successive motions for JNOV, new trial do not toll time for serving notice of intent to appeal.
First Degree Burglary Case. Defendant claims life imprisonment without parole for first degree burglary is cruel and unusual punishment under circumstances, and contends law of second and third degree burglary should have been charged.4-8-2002 - Opinions
This PCR case holds conspiracy to traffick is properly classified as a violent offense.
25438 - In the Matter of K. Douglas Thornton
Attorney disciplinary matter in which respondent admitted misconduct and consented to a definite suspension of nine months from the date of the opinion.
25439 - In the Matter of Larry S. Drayton
Definite suspension from the practice of law for ninety (90) days.
25440 - In the Matter of J. Stephen McCormack
Attorney disciplinary matter in which respondent admitted misconduct and consented to disbarment from the practice of law in this state.
25441 - In the Matter of Gregory A. Newell
Attorney admits to misconduct and consents to a definite suspension of nine months.
Court grants defendant directed verdict on charge of cultivating marijuana on the land of another. Criminal statutes are strictly construed against State; court declines to equate "harvesting" with "cultivating".
Participation in the Community Supervision Program is not a collateral consequence of sentencing and therefore trial counsel was not ineffective in failing to discuss Program with petitioner prior to the plea.4-15-2002 - Opinions
Court finds ouster where cotenant in possession changed locks on door and denied other cotenant use of property.4-18-2002 - Opinions
This case in the Court's original jurisdiction raises the questions of whether the attorney general has the authority to bring a civil action against the governor; whether a separation of powers violation has occurred; and whether the governor is required to send a balanced budget to the General Assembly.4-22-2002 - Opinions
25446 - Jinks v. Richland County
This case concerns the constitutionality of 28 U.S.C. § 1367(d).
This PCR action involves the issue of whether trial counsel was ineffective for failing to have the jury's verdict clarified with respect to the degree of the burglary conviction.
25448 - In the Matter of Curlin
Opinion disbarring Theron James Curlin.
25449 - In the Matter of Wyman
Opinion disbarring Michael G. Wyman.
25450 - In the Matter of Wooden
Attorney admitted to misconduct and was disbarred.
25452 - In the Matter of Gibbs
Opinion disbarring M. Eugene Gibbs
25453 - Dunes West v. Georgia-Pacific
Answering certified question from United States District Court: Developer of planned unit development owes a duty to the property owners’ association to transfer common areas that are in good repair, or to provide the property owners’ association with necessary funds to bring the common areas up to a standard of reasonably good repair.4-29-2002 - Opinions
25454 - Faulkenberry v. Norfolk Southern
Issue is whether railroad acquired a fee simple determinable under 1845 grant via which it obtained land for its railroad tracks.
Issue is whether the aggravating circumstance of a
Defendant's 6th Amendment Right to Confront a co-conspirator/witness against him.
25457 - Williams, et al. v. Wilson, et al.
This case is a church dispute involving the church's form of governance.