SC Judicial Department

South Carolina
Judicial Department

Supreme Court Published Opinions
December 2003

Note: Beginning in June 2012, opinions will be posted as Adobe PDFs. You can download a free copy of Adobe Reader here.

The summary following each opinion is prepared to offer lawyers and the public a general overview of what a particular opinion decides. The summary is not necessarily a full description of the issues discussed in an opinion.

12-1-2003 - Opinions

25756 - In the Matter of Barry T. Wimberly

The Court imposed a one year suspension where the attorney forged two letters and presented them as authentic.

25757 - Ex Parte: Charles M. Watson, Jr.

Tax collectors rely on title abstractors to provide status of title

12-8-2003 - Opinions

25740 - Murphy v. Owens-Corning Fiberglass

The Court affirms the decision of the Court of Appeals holding that an action may arise in South Carolina for purposes of the Door Closing Statute, yet not accrue within the State.

25758 - Ward v. State

This case involves whether Act 189 is constitutional under the intergovernmental tax immunity doctrine.

25759 - Southern Atlantic Financial v. Middleton

The sole issue on certiorari is whether the acceleration clause in a note is ambiguous.

25760 - State v. Keenon

In this opinion, the Court held the trial court erred in allowing into evidence the fact that the defendant had six prior convictions for burglary and housebreaking; however, the Court concluded the admission of the evidence constituted harmless error.

12-8-2003 - Orders

ORDER - In the Matter of Dirk Jeffrey Kitchel

This order places Dirk Jeffrey Kitchell on interim suspension and appoints Dwayne Marvin Green to protect the interests of Mr. Kitchell's clients.

ORDER - In the Matter of Randolph Frails

This order places Randolph Frails on interim suspension and appoints Richard W. Taylor to protect the interests of Mr. Frails' clients.

ORDER - In the Matter of Ronald F. Barbare

This order places Ronald F. Barbare on interim suspension and appoints W. Lindsay Smith to protect the interest of Mr. Barbare's clients.

ORDER - In the Matter of Dennis James Rhoad

This order reinstates Dennis Rhoad to the practice of law.

ORDER - In the Matter of Ray D. Lathan

This order places Ray D. Lathan on interim suspension and appoints W. Lindsay Smith to protect the interests of Mr. Lathan's clients.

ORDER - Murphy v. Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corp.

12-22-2003 - Opinions

25761 - Maxwell v. Genez

This opinion addresses whether a motion to restore to the docket pursuant to Rule 40(j), SCRCP, must be filed within one year of the order granting the motion to strike and, if so, whether the one year "deadline" may be extended for good cause pursuant to Rule 6(b), SCRCP.

12-22-2003 - Orders

ORDER - Rule 406, SCACR