Order 2009-10-13-01 Business Court Pilot Program Extension

Pursuant to the provisions of S.C. Const. Art. V 4, I find that the South Carolina Business Court Pilot Program, established on September 2, 2007, by Order 2007-09-07-01, has operated for two years since its effective date of October 1, 2007, and has successfully created an option to litigate complex business, corporate, and commercial matters in the circuit courts of this State. A committee appointed to evaluate the Pilot Program issued a report, based on input from the Business Court judges and lawyers, recommending extension of the Pilot Program and other modifications to enhance the programs effectiveness. IT IS ORDERED that the Business Court Pilot Program, as established in Order 2007-09-07-01, shall be extended for two years, effective October 1, 2009. The judges designated as Business Court judges are to continue to preside over the Business Court. In accordance with the laws and rules governing the courts of this State, Business Court judges are authorized to determine administrative procedures for Business Court cases that are consistent with the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure to the extent practicable. Any Business Court procedures shall be publicly available on the Judicial Departments web site at www.sccourts.org IT IS SO ORDERED.