Magistrate Court Judges in South Carolina have a range of authority. This includes the ability to sign arrest and search warrants, set bonds in criminal cases (exception being ones that carry life sentences or the death penalty) and the authority to try jury and non-jury criminal and civil cases (subject to jurisdictional limitations). Additionally a Magistrate Judge may hold a special term of General Sessions called Transfer Court.
Magistrate appointments are made by Governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate. As a practical mater the local Senate delegation will nominate prospective candidates for approval. New Magistrate judges are required to have at least a 4 year college degree. Although some Magistrate judges are lawyers there is no requirement that they have any previous legal training although they must pass a written eligibility test.

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