How does the SC supreme court hear appeals?

The South Carolina Supreme Court primarily hears appeals through two main mechanisms: writ of certiorari and direct appeal.

A writ of certiorari is a request for the court to review the decision of a lower court. It is typically used in cases where there has been a significant legal issue that could influence the interpretation of law or where there may be conflicting decisions in lower courts. The court selectively grants these writs, choosing cases that present essential legal questions or issues that may need clarification.

On the other hand, direct appeals occur in specific circumstances defined by law, particularly when a case involves significant issues such as those related to state constitutional matters or death penalty cases. This route allows for the direct escalation from lower courts to the Supreme Court without the need for other intermediate reviews.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the procedural norms of how appeals are handled within the South Carolina judicial system. Jury trials, administrative reviews, and public hearings do not pertain to the appellate review process as utilized by the Supreme Court for resolving legal appeals. Thus, choosing the method combining writs of certiorari and direct appeals aligns with established legal practices in South Carolina.