permalink
permalink
David Crenshaw is not qualified to be a magistrate. You have to have a 4 year degree. This is similar to Bill Gates not being "qualified" to teach in our public schools.
permalink
Magistrate Court There are approximately 300 magistrates in South Carolina, each serving the county for which he or she is appointed. They are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor upon the advice and consent of the Senate. Magistrates must also pass a certification examination within one year of their appointment. Magistrates generally have criminal trial jurisdiction over all offenses subject to the penalty of a fine, as set by statute, but generally, not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both. In addition, they are responsible for setting bail, conducting preliminary hearings, and issuing arrest and search warrants. Magistrates have civil jurisdiction when the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500.
Copied from this link.
http://www.judicial.state.sc.us/magistrateCourt/
FYI
Crenshaw was a magistrate prior to becoming Sheriff.
permalink
Qualified dosen't have anything to do with appointments. Its politics.(who you know)Check the status of the other magistates. A large number in the state are grand-fathered and Hold-Overs. No one else can get the job because they draw retirment and hold the magistate job too. Just look at the conduct of the magistates. A Greenville Co Magistrate placed on trespass warning today at a Up-State McDonalds,Judge Mike Smith on ADMIN LEAVE, Judge William Gilmer under INVESTIGATION for fileing a false police report.
Are these QUALIFED for the job
permalink
Marshal, you are right on target. It is about who you know. David Crenshaw would have to be recommended by Sen. Bryant who as we know is a staunch supporter and advisor of Gov. sanford. Crenshaw,on the other hand, openly supported Democrat Tommy Moore in the last gubernatorial race. It would be a huge surprise if Brtant gave Crenshaw the leg up he needs to ge that magistrate's position. And when did the Sheriff get his four year degree?
permalink
Then again, Plumbob . . .
Appointing Crenshaw as a magistrate (speaking to Bryant doing so), and depending on the timing of such, Bryant could use this as a tool to shore up support in that part of the county. Yes kids, if you are reading between the lines, a promised appointment could be used to help bring votes in for Bryant.
I really don't think Bryant is this stupid to try something like this - then again, after seeing his extensive involvement in the County Council races and his desire to build a political empire, well ...
- SSHM
permalink
Dah!!!!
Where does it say a 4 year degree is required?
I am not even sure it requires a HS edumu-cation.. just that you pass the
certification examination within one year.
permalink
The 4 year degree went into effect many years ago. It's why there are so many hold-over magistates. If they legally retire from office they lose the Grand-Father status and not qualify for re-appointment. Then they lose the big check for the hours they work. Part-time is suposed to be 22 hrs a week.(suposed).
Catching one in the office is a challange.Catching one that knows what their doing is a bigger challange.
You'r right sshm, the magistrate appointments are give to the one which can bring the most votes.
permalink
marshalldillon08
I stand corrected in ref. to the needed qualifications.
See TOPIC:
(State Law Concerning Magistrate/Summary Court Judges)
permalink
SSHM, anything is possible in Anderson County politics, soI can't swear Crenshaw has no chance. But in terms of probabilities, his are slim.BTW, saw Judge Smith the other day. He looks a bit haggard but he seemed to be in good spirits. Dumb mistakes have cost what seems to be a good man an awful lot. On the other hand, he's the one who made the dumb mistakes.
permalink
I like Mike Smith, always have, but I would think the only bars a Magistrate should be around would be the ones with inmates on the other side.
Some things just don't have to be written in the rule book.
permalink
On the other hand, his very close personal relationship with Chief Justice Nancy Devine might provide some insulation fromthe fire.But I don't see how it will save his job.
The real question is why he and Judge Gilmer in Honea Path are being treated so differently. Gilmer is accused of filing a false police report to his own police cheif, who by the way, turned him in when he found out.Seems his wife might have been dallying with a fellow and Gilmer wanted his address. Why? I know why I would want it. So he tells his police cheif the guy has been harassing and threatening him and his wife. But from what I hear, Gilmer is still hearing selected cases,while Smith got suspended within days.Like you said,marshaldillon, it's all about who you know, or what you know about somebody.Always has been,always will be.
permalink
Maybe magistrate appointments are like Supreme Court <FOR LIFE> No one ever gets to apply for these jobs or ever know when thy are Re-appointed. Lots of people would like a shot at the Good Money. A 22hr per week magistate with 10yrs on the job makes about $50,000 with his salary and expense acct. (and draw retirement)Check and see what the full time's make.
(ITS WHO YA KNOW)
permalink
Sheriff Crenshaw does have a 4 year degree from Anderson University. He received an award back in February. He was named Anderson University Criminal Justice Alumnus of the Year.
permalink
The comments posted on AMI"s report concerning the arrest of Judge Smith ask some interesting questions/
What did happen with the SLED investigation with Honea Path Magistate Billy Gilmer.He was never suspended like Smith was. Whats the difference between the Smith and Gilmer? Is it who you know or what. if you ask questions you will find Gilmer is a grandfathered-holdover magistrate.(also retired...drawing a magistrate retirement check) How long can you hold these jobs? How many others are Holdovers in Anderson Co? Where do you apply for these jobs?
This Topic Is Locked To Guest Posts
It's been a while since this topic was active, if you'd like to get it going again, please post as a registered member