The Supreme Court of South Carolina

ORDER

Pursuant to Article V, § 4, of the South Carolina Constitution,

IT IS ORDERED that all criminal cases in the State of South Carolina shall be disposed of within 180 days from the date of the defendant's arrest. Provided, however, that the circuit court may continue a criminal case beyond 180 days by written order if the court determines that exceptional circumstances exist in the case. This order does not create or define a right of a defendant to a speedy trial.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the orders of Chief Justice Lewis dated August 17, 1983, and January 13, 1984, which appear at pages CC-ADMIN 12 and 13 of the South Carolina Court Register, are hereby rescinded.

Columbia, South Carolina
March 5, 1999