South Carolina Supreme Court Historical Society Podcast

Judge Tommy Cooper from Manning interviews Judge Richard Fields.Support the show

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An oral history of Chief Justice Jean H. Toal by Tina Cundari. Support the show

An oral history of Judge Patrick Michael Duffy, conducted by Donald M. Williams.Support the show

An oral history of Judge Patrick Michael Duffy, conducted by Donald M. Williams.Support the show

An oral history of Judge Patrick Michael Duffy, conducted by Donald M. Williams.Support the show

An oral history of Judge Patrick Michael Duffy, conducted by Donald M. Williams.Support the show

In this episode, Rosen shares his involvement in the peaceful handling of the integration of the Charleston Municipal Golf Course—the first public place to be integrated in the State.  Additionally, he discusses his role as the South Carolina Bar President and as a Bar Examiner.Support the show

In this episode, Rosen discusses the development of matrimonial law in South Carolina and Charleston politics.  Additionally, he shares his involvement in the civil rights movement through his role as Charleston’s chief legal officer and litigating cases with Matthew Perry as opposing counsel. Support the show

In this episode, Morris Rosen discusses growing up in Charleston in the 1920s, along with attending the College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina School of Law.  Support the show

In this episode, Chief Justice Littlejohn shares a story of almost being a juror, the history of the South Carolina Bar Association, thoughts on arbitration and mediation in retirement, and final reflections on his career. Support the show

In this episode, Chief Justice Littlejohn shares stories about his time as chief, starting the judicial conference, and traditions of the South Carolina Supreme Court.  He also reflects on the OJ Simpson trial, as well as discusses  his decision to become a published author. Support the show

In this episode, Chief Justice Littlejohn discusses the education of lawyers today, and his election to the Supreme Court—including his race against then-circuit judge Bubba Ness.  Additionally, he discusses the SC Supreme Court moving to its current location, and the increase in the number of appellate cases. Support the show

This episode continues with Chief Justice Littlejohn discussing his time on the bench, including his thoughts on capital punishment and gun control.  He also shares the best parts of being on the bench, the responsibilities that come with the robe, and the changes in the profession.  Support the show

In this episode, Chief Justice Littlejohn shares experiences from his time on the bench as a circuit judge.  He also discusses the changes in the practice of law, including the establishment of the SC rules of civil procedure and discovery practice.  Notably, he credits his decision to allow an opening statement in a 1956 case for the change in trial practice, which was quickly adopted by circuit judge Bubba Ness—and the rest is history! Support the show

This episode jumps straight into Littlejohn’s discussion of his military role during World War II at the age of 30, and a few memories from that time period.  Once back in South Carolina, Littlejohn wastes no time running for the General Assembly and becomes Speaker.  He also shares his decision to run to be a circuit judge. Support the show

In this episode, we learn about Chief Justice Littlejohn establishing his law office and his first case, which earned him a $5 fee. Support the show

In this episode, we learn that Chief Justice Littlejohn made the most of twenties.  At the age of twenty-two, Littlejohn was practicing law and running for the General Assembly.  He also discusses women in the law, Matthew Perry, and the political powers at play. Support the show

In this episode, Chief Justice Littlejohn discusses his time at Wofford, including his involvement in various clubs like drama and debate, along with becoming interested in politics during FDR’s campaign.  Additionally, he discusses his time at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Support the show

In this episode, Chief Justice Littlejohn discusses his family and childhood, including getting electricity in his home at the age of six.  Support the show

In this informal interview, you will hear a discussion with Judge Bert Goolsby and Judge Cureton. Support the show

Mr. Scarborough shares his experience serving on the Board of the Bar Foundation, his attempts to defy limiting expectations, and what he expects the practice of law to look like in the next forty years. Support the show

Mr. Scarborough discusses fostering the growth of the Bar Foundation, the process of judicial reform in South Carolina, improving the public perception of lawyers, how technology has changed the practice of law, and the importance of pro bono work. Support the show

Mr. Scarborough details the growth of the law firm, his experience as managing partner including his views on what makes a great leader, the merger of the Bar Association and the State Bar into a single organization and subsequently serving as President of the South Carolina Bar.  Support the show

In an interview with Herbert Hartsook, Director of South Carolina Political Collections at the University of South Carolina Libraries, the late Claude M. Scarborough, Jr. of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough discusses his childhood, joining the law firm as a young associate, growing the firm, serving as President of the South Carolina Bar, his hopes for the future of the practice of law, and so much more.In this episode, Mr. Scarborough shares stories from his childhood during the Great Depression, serving as an attorney in the Army during the Korean War, and beginning his career as a young attorney in private practice in Columbia.Support the show

On this episode, Judge Cureton reflects on his childhood in Oconee, South Carolina and shares his initial life plan to attend veterinary school.  You’ll also hear how his service in the military and prior employment as a social worker led him to his decision to pursue a law degree, along with the encouragement he received from Matthew Perry.  Judge Cureton also shares his memories from University of South Carolina School of Law and his impressions of the legal education.Support the show

On this episode, Judge Cureton shares his experiences in private practice and his decision to seek a position in the judiciary.   Support the show

On this episode, you will hear the story of uncovering the hidden treasure of the South Carolina Court of Appeals’ Courtroom I, along with Judge Cureton’s reflections of his time on that Court, the transformation of appellate practice, and his judicial philosophy. Support the show

Judge Cureton reflects on the justices that have had a significant impact on the South Carolina court system and reasons to pursue the law. Support the show

Born with a curious mind, Sarah Leverette embarked on a legal career at the University of South Carolina School of Law.  While she stared as one of five women in her law school class, she would be the only woman who graduated.  This interview was recorded in August 2007.Support the show

While Leverette notes that she didn’t feel like she faced discrimination in law school, she quickly experienced limitations in private practice when it was suggested she should also clean the law office as an associate. Support the show

While too humble to proclaim herself a pioneer, Leverette details her efforts in developing the law library at the University of South Carolina and curriculum for its first legal writing classes. In this episode, she shares the hurdles she overcame including being excluded from the law school faculty and being paid less.  Additionally, she discusses her admiration for Judge Julius Waites Waring and the import of his decision in Briggs v. Elliott. Support the show

This episode highlights Leverette’s drive and desire to continually be learning, her active involvement and service to her community, including serving as the president of the League of Women Voters in 1958, and her insight into living a fulfilled life. Support the show

Judge Matthew Perry is an icon in South Carolina history. Join us in this podcast’s first hour listening to Judge Perry chat with US Federal District Judge Richard Gergel and US Federal District Judge Michael Duffy. This interview was recorded in April 2011. Support the show

Judge Perry shares his involvement with the NAACP, litigating lunch counter sit-ins, and the start of his friendship with Judge C. Tolbert Goolsby. Support the show

Judge Perry tells details Edwards v. SC and his representation of James Clyburn in the matter, Thurgood Marshall moving for his admission to the United States Supreme Court, and his firsthand account of Briggs v. Elliott.Support the show

Judge Perry continues his account of Briggs v. Elliott and his representation of Gloria Blackwell and Harvey Gantt. Support the show

Judge Joe Anderson is perhaps best known for his professionalism and ethics. In this episode, you learn that his appreciation for civility was cultivated from watching his father in the courtroom at a young age. This interview was recorded in September 2011. Support the show

In this episode, Judge Anderson shares a variety of experiences including serving as a freshman member of the General Assembly and being mentored as a new judge by Billy Wilkins and G. Ross Anderson. Support the show

Judge Anderson shares stories of serving as chief judge of the district, building the federal courthouse, and the artwork in his chambers. Support the show

Judge Anderson concludes his interview by reflecting on the changes in the law and technology, judicial activism, and the cases he will never forget. Support the show

Join the Historical Society and the SC Bar Foundation as we share the stories of South Carolina’s legendary lawyers and judges through our oral history program.  We have had the distinct pleasure of recording hundreds of our hours of interviews and conversations detailing early life experiences that encouraged individuals to seek a legal education,  epic legal battles,  and reflections on landmark cases from attorneys who litigated, judges who presided, and the fortunate lawyers who found a seat in crowded courthouses.  In addition to these milestones, we’ve had the rare ability to capture history you’ve likely never heard from invitations to join singing groups, friendships formed through the civil rights moment, and so much more.  Subscribe now. Support the show