South Carolina Lawyers Weekly

Apr 28, 2025

High court reinstates murder conviction after dispute over self-defense instruction

The South Carolina Supreme Court has revived Mark Anthony Hailey Jr.’s murder conviction, ruling that the trial judge did not err by refusing Hailey’s requested “equal terms” self-defense charge. Hailey […]

Nov 8, 2024

McMaster outlines reasons why Moore was denied clemency

Richard Moore’s previous criminal record and Gov. Henry McMaster’s review of Moore’s clemency petition, court transcripts and court rulings led the state’s chief executive to deny the condemned man’s request […]

Oct 7, 2024

South Carolina sets Moore’s execution for Nov. 1

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Supreme Court on Friday set a date of Nov. 1 to put to death a man who killed a store clerk a quarter-century ago, the […]

Sep 5, 2024

Judge strikes down Illinois’ concealed carry ban on public transit

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A federal judge has ruled that an Illinois law banning the concealed carry of firearms on public transit is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston in […]

Jun 6, 2024

Prosecutor asks court to reverse governor’s pardon

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas governor’s pardon of a former Army sergeant who fatally shot a Black Lives Matter demonstrator undermines the state’s legal system and constitution and should be […]

May 23, 2024

Dying imprisoned ex-doctor set to be freed

RICHMOND, Va. — On paper, Vince Gilmer was granted freedom more than two years ago. Today, he might actually leave prison. The former small-town North Carolina doctor and convicted murderer […]

Apr 17, 2015

Hurdles in ‘Suge’ Knight case: Hesitant witness, fuzzy video

LOS ANGELES (AP) — On paper, the evidence in the murder case against Marion “Suge” Knight looks strong: Prosecutors have a surviving witness, video of the former rap music mogul […]

Dec 9, 2013

Criminal Practice – Stand Your Ground – Castle Doctrine – Jury Instructions – Another’s Home

State v. Curry Although defendant was not entitled to a Stand Your Ground jury instruction, the trial court’s error in giving the instruction inured to defendant’s benefit.

Jul 12, 2013

Criminal Practice – Jury Instructions – Murder – Self-Defense – Continuing to Shoot – Immunity

State v. Marin Where the trial court instructed the jury that a person may use deadly force when he reasonably believes it is necessary to do so under the circumstances, it was the trial lawyer’s responsibility to argue how the principle of law affected the facts of the case; i.e., that defendant was justified in firing a second shot at the victim.

Jul 12, 2013

Designated driver went one shot over the line, court rules

Nobody likes the job of driving an obnoxious drunk home, but two bullets in the back of the head seem like harsh treatment.

Nov 29, 2012

No charges filed against retired SC trooper

Prosecutors say a retired South Carolina trooper used justified force when he killed a man who attacked him and forced his way into his home.

Oct 24, 2012

Criminal Practice – Voluntary Manslaughter – Self-Defense & Accident – Jury Charges

State v. Williams Even though eyewitness testimony painted a radically different picture, defendant’s own testimony supported his request for jury instructions on self-defense and accident. We reverse defendant’s conviction of voluntary manslaughter and remand for a new trial.