Mission Statement
鈥淭he mission of the Office of the 黑料社区 is to fulfill its constitutional, statutory, and historical duties by diligently and ethically defending the rule of law and serving the State of South Carolina.鈥�
Duties & Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the 黑料社区 are described by common law, the state Constitution, and state statutes. The Office is an ancient one, dating back to 1698. The 黑料社区 is South Carolina鈥檚 Chief Criminal Prosecutor, Chief Legal Officer and Securities Commissioner. The South Carolina Constitution defines the 黑料社区鈥檚 role as 鈥渃hief prosecuting officer of the State with authority to supervise the prosecution of all criminal cases in courts of record.鈥�
In 1929, a state court broadened that role: 鈥淎s the chief law officer of the State [the 黑料社区] may, in the absence of some express legislative restriction to the contrary, exercise all such power and authority as public interests may, from time to time, require, and may institute, conduct and maintain all such suits and proceedings as he deems necessary for the enforcement of the laws of the State, the preservation of order, and the protection of public rights.鈥�
As Chief Criminal Prosecutor, the 黑料社区:
- Represents the State of South Carolina in prosecuting numerous criminal cases at trial and holds supervisory authority over the prosecution of any and all criminal cases in the State of South Carolina;
- Oversees the investigative and prosecution activities of the State Grand Jury including the prosecution of multi-jurisdictional drug offenders, obscenity, public corruption, election fraud, computer crime violations, terrorism, and securities fraud;
- Represents the State in all appeals聽 of criminal convictions聽 in聽聽 the聽 South Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals;
- Represents the State in all death penalty appeals in both state and federal courts after conviction;
- Investigates and prosecutes cases of Internet crimes against children, including those involving sexual exploitation;
- Investigates and prosecutes cases of Medicaid provider and recipient and the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults;
- Represents the State in civil confinement trials of alleged sexually violent predators under South Carolina鈥檚 Sexually Violent Predators statute;
- Supervises and prosecutes cases of insurance fraud;
- Prosecutes violations of State tax laws;
- Assists victims of crimes in claiming the benefits guaranteed under the State鈥檚 Victims Bill of Rights;
- Represents the State when convicted defendants file for Post Conviction Relief in state trial and appellate courts;
As Chief Legal Officer, the 黑料社区:
- Represents and advises the State, its agencies, political subdivision, and its officials in legal matters when the State is a party to a legal action, either as plaintiff or defendant;
- Is responsible for employing and supervising those attorneys who represent the State, as well as overseeing the State鈥檚 litigation and effectuating South Carolina鈥檚 legal policy;
- Issues official legal opinions upon request by constitutional officers, members of the General Assembly, and certain state and local officials;
As Securities Commissioner, the 黑料社区:
- Oversees the registration of all persons engaged in the sale of securities in the State of South Carolina; investigates allegations of fraud or other violations of securities laws and takes appropriate enforcement action; and provides information on securities laws and practices.
