Segars-Andrews v. Judicial Merit Selection Commission

This is a matter in our original jurisdiction. For the reasons set forth below, we are constrained to dismiss the complaint.

I

Factual/Procedural Background

Pursuant to the South Carolina Constitution, the election and reelection of justices and judges in South Carolina’s unified judicial system is vested solely in the South Carolina General Assembly. These judgeships include supreme court justice, court of appeals judge, circuit court judge, and family court judge. The Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC) is constitutionally and statutorily charged with evaluating the qualifications and…