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The Untouchables

Investigating South Carolina’s Judges

South Carolina’s judges are some the most powerful, but least scrutinized officials in the criminal justice system, thanks in part to the state’s skewed selection system and the veil of secrecy surrounding complaints against them.

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The Untouchables

Facing New Complaint, South Carolina Magistrate Removed as County’s Chief Judge

Magistrate Angel Underwood was removed from her post after court officials sat on a complaint for years. Underwood has been accused of failing to remain impartial toward the local sheriff’s department, which her husband used to run.

by Joseph Cranney and Avery G. Wilks, The Post and Courier,

Local Reporting Network

The Untouchables

South Carolina’s Governor Addresses Magistrate Judge Controversy by Urging Changes

An investigation from the Post and Courier and ProPublica found that most judges had no law training and some accepted bribes, stole money and ignored constitutional protections. Now, South Carolina’s governor says he wants change.

by Joseph Cranney, The Post and Courier,

Local Reporting Network

The Untouchables

Magistrate Judges Took Bribes, Stole Money and Mishandled Cases. South Carolina Officials Now Want Reform.

Lawmakers are eyeing reforms after reporting found some judges had been appointed and reappointed despite ethical and professional lapses.

by Joseph Cranney, The Post and Courier,

Local Reporting Network

The Untouchables

We Investigated Magistrates. Now, Lawmakers Want to Overhaul the System.

State lawmakers in South Carolina are proposing changes to how lower-court judges are selected after a Post and Courier-ProPublica investigation. The probe found a system that places connections over qualifications.

by Joseph Cranney, The Post and Courier,

Local Reporting Network

5 stories published since 2019

This Judge Is Married to the Sheriff. Ethics Complaints Have Piled Up.

by Joseph Cranney, The Post and Courier,

He Defended the Confederate Flag and Insulted Immigrants. Now He’s a Judge.

by Joseph Cranney, The Post and Courier,

These Judges Can Have Less Training Than Barbers but Still Decide Thousands of Cases Each Year

by Joseph Cranney, The Post and Courier,

Have a Complaint About a South Carolina Judge? Help Us Investigate.

by Joseph Cranney, The Post and Courier, and Karim Doumar, ProPublica,

South Carolina: The State Where Judges Rule Themselves in Secret

by Joseph Cranney, The Post and Courier,

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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