South Carolina Court Records

The South Carolina courts website is designed to help provide a clear overview of how the state’s trial system works. Its simple layout helps people find information on cases moving through Circuit, Family, Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal Courts.

Each court in the South Carolina judicial system handles cases within its specific jurisdiction. While the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals handle appeals from the state’s trial courts, the Circuit Court sits at the apex of the trial court system, exercising general authority over civil and criminal trials. Meanwhile, lower courts oversee specialized caseloads. For instance, family Courts manage family-related matters, probate courts oversee probate adjudications, magistrates' courts conduct summary trials for specific civil and criminal cases, while municipal courts address traffic violations, municipal code infractions, and certain criminal matters.

The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act establishes public rights to access state court records, though specific exceptions remain. To protect privacy and maintain judicial integrity, state laws restrict public access to sealed, expunged, and juvenile records. While these records allow citizens to monitor case progress and provide oversight, this website serves purely for informational purposes and does not provide legal advice.