Supreme Court Published Opinions -
February 2017
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.
2-1-2017 - Opinions
27700 - Lightner v. Hampton Hall Club, Inc.
In its original jurisdiction, the Court affirms in part, reverses in part, and remands this case, finding, inter alia, the circuit court erred in determining the South Carolina Revenue Procedures Act is limited to property tax disputes with the South Carolina Department of Revenue.2-15-2017 - Opinions
27702 - Hanold v. Watson's Orchard
We affirm the court of appeals, but clarify the distinction between "developed" and "improved" land.
27703 - In the Matter of Fredrick Pfeiffer
This is a disciplinary opinion in which the Court disbars a lawyer.
27704 - In the Matter of Cecil Nolan
This is a disciplinary opinion in which the Court reprimands a lawyer.
27705 - In the Matter of Jeffrey Allen Chapman
The Court affirms Chapman's commitment as a sexually violent predator (SVP) on issue preservation grounds. However, the Court finds Chapman and other SVPs have a right to the effective assistance of counsel under the Sexually Violent Predator Act. The Court further holds persons committed as SVPs may raise ineffective assistance of counsel claims during a habeas proceeding within one year of their commitment or the finalization of their direct appeal, whichever comes later, and these claims will be evaluated under the two-prong test set forth in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984).2-22-2017 - Opinions
The Court reverses the Court of Appeals' opinion in State v. Thompson, 413 S.C. 590, 776 S.E.2d 413 (Ct. App. 2015).
27707 - Rogers Townsend & Thomas, PC v. Peck
The Court accepted this declaratory judgment action in our original jurisdiction to determine whether Community Management Group, LLC; its president, Stephen Peck; and its employee, Tom Moore engaged in the unauthorized practice of law while managing homeowners' associations. We find Community Management Group engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.