South Carolina Rules of Magistrates Court – 2026
The South Carolina Rules of Magistrates Court govern civil and criminal proceedings before magistrates, covering pleadings, service, trial procedure, and appeals.
Browse all 25 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Scope & Purpose
Rule 1
Definitions
Rule 2
Application of Statutory Law and Circuit Court Practice in Absence of Rule
Rule 3
Computation of Time Periods
Rule 4
Filing Civil Action; Action Against Corporation; Long Arm Statute
Rule 5
Complaint
Rule 6
Summons; Service
Rule 7
Answer and Counterclaim; Time for Filing
Rule 8
Delivery and Filing of Pleadings and Other Papers
Rule 9
Counterclaim
Rule 10
Trial Date; Notice; Failure to Answer
Rule 11
Default Judgment; Dismissal of Action; Damages
Rule 12
Relief from Judgment or Order
Rule 13
Conduct of Trial; Jury Trials; Witnesses; Subpoenas
Rule 14
Amendment of Complaints, Answers, and Counterclaims; Continuances
Rule 15
Exchange of Information Between Parties; Settlement
Rule 16
Directed Verdict; Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict
Rule 17
Costs; Notice of Judgment; Enforcement
Rule 18
Appeals
Rule 19
New Trial; Amendment of Judgments
Rule 20
Offer of Judgment; Consequences of Non-acceptance
Rule 21
Business Representation
Rule 22
Arguments on Motions and at Trial
Rule 23
Subpoenas
Rule 24
Forms