Bennett v. State

This matter is before the Court pursuant to the State’s petition to hear it in our original jurisdiction and for expedited consideration. Because the State’s petition presents an issue of public interest, we exercise our authority to review this matter in our original jurisdiction. S.C. Const, art. V, § 5; Rule 229, SCACR; Key v. Currie, 305 S.C. 115, 116, 406 S.E.2d 356, 357 (1991). We dispense with further briefing and answer the question presented.

Earl Bennett and other inmates filed separate habeas corpus petitions in the circuit court, alleging their continued incarceration for…