Raise magistrate standards
S.C. Chief Justice John Kittredge recently wrote to several legislative leaders regarding his concern about the low standards set for magistrate judges in this state. In South Carolina, magistrates preside over misdemeanor criminal cases and have the power to imprison and fine people. They also preside over preliminary hearings, bond hearings and civil cases, and have the power to issue search warrants.
These judges are appointed for each county by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for a term of four years. Judge Leroy Linen served as a magistrate judge in Charleston County for nearly 50 years. South Carolina magistrates’ salaries vary depending on the county they serve, with pay generally ranging from less than $50,000 to $135,000 annually.
The majority of these judges do not have law degrees, as a law degree is not a requirement in this state. This means that I often find myself defending clients before a magistrate without any formal education in law or any prior judicial experience.
We attorneys are required to receive a law degree from an accredited law school, pass a bar exam and have a minimum of 14 hours annually in continuing legal education to have the privilege of arguing before a judge who often has limited understanding of the legal process. Any judge in this state should be required to at least have a law degree and be a member of the South Carolina Bar. Contact your senators; it’s time for change.
J. BROOKS DAVIS
Mount Pleasant
Make vote count
As we approach election season, it’s nice when candidates — in my case, those seeking reelection for Mount Pleasant Town Council — shed light on what they truly stand for.
My vote will not support any candidates who recently voted in favor of higher tax bills for homeowners and other property owners. Property owners are already overtaxed; the time is now to stand up and say no more. Make your vote count.
SCOTT BLUE
Mount Pleasant
Newspaper a staple
As a Charleston resident, I have many fond memories of passing The Post and Courier’s old building with my children in our cargo bike. I would often point out the portico panels on King Street displaying “The News and Courier,” “Evening Post” and “Post and Courier,” telling my children, “Do you know how lucky we are to have the oldest newspaper in the South right here in our city?” This always led to chatter and discussion about the newspaper’s history.
Our rides would continue south past Daniel Russell-Einhorn’s bike shop, where our cargo bike was made, and after a brief stop for ice cream, we’d proceed to White Point Garden on The Battery before returning home. On our way back up King Street, my son would often ask about the semi-trucks backed up to The Post and Courier’s building, prompting further discussions about newspapers, logistics and their vital role. I’ve since shown my children The Post and Courier’s new Williman Street building, reassuring them that the paper has simply relocated.
As Thomas Jefferson wrote in a letter to Edward Carrington, “The people are the only censors of their governors: and even their errors will tend to keep these to the true principles of their institution.”
PETAR LEMAJIC
Charleston
Baseball is changing
Major League Baseball is set to enact a new system to keep umpires honest with replays using artificial intelligence in 2026. What happened to baseball?
It was a game when I was growing up, but today it is a business. The only winners are the owners, as fans are left to pay big bucks to park and watch a ballgame where they spend even more money. Team owners should also stop paying enormous amounts for players and forcing loyal fans to bear the costs.
ROBERT LANE
Goose Creek