Duties of the Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court is a constitutional officer established by the South Carolina Constitution and elected by the citizens of each county. The Clerk is responsible for the custody and maintenance of all records filed in the Court of Common Pleas (civil), the Court of General Sessions (criminal), and the Family Court. By law, the Clerk’s duties include filing and preserving court documents; compiling and managing civil and criminal dockets; receiving and transmitting criminal warrants; collecting court costs, fines, and fees; receiving and processing bonds; staffing courtrooms; administering petit and grand juries; enforcing court-ordered child support and alimony; and processing Orders of Protection for transmittal to law enforcement. The Clerk also prepares and submits reports required by state and federal law. While the office plays an essential role in the administration of justice, the Clerk of Court does not adjudicate cases and cannot provide legal advice.