The SCPIF Blog

As a kid, do you remember when your dad gave you an allowance and said, ‘This is all you are getting, so make it last’? A simple command to follow, and for the most part, you did as you were told. This rationale clearly does not apply to South Carolina’s treatment of its fiscal responsibilities.…

Written by Timothy J. Hegarty, A Concerned Citizen of York County: As a concerned citizen, I have tracked the Silfab Solar issue very closely in the last two years since I first became aware of it. I think it is fair to say that I am very well acquainted with the specific details of this…

Written by Timothy J. Hegarty, A Concerned Citizen of York County: A very simple dictionary definition of “bias” is “an inclination or preference for or against an individual or group that interferes with impartial judgment “. Remember this statement, as it will relate to the story below. If you’ve read the previously posted “Damn the…

Written by Timothy J. Hegarty, A Concerned Citizen of York County: When Admiral David Farragut shouted, “Damn the Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead!” at the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864, it was viewed as a bold, reckless statement in the face of overwhelming odds. Fast forward to today, and with slight editing, the statement…

Photograph from CAGI History of the Issue Zoning issues have broad implications for the health and safety of nearby citizens. Silfab Solar is constructing a solar panel manufacturing plant in Fort Mill, South Carolina directly off Highway 21 near the I-77 interchange and surrounded by residential housing and adjacent to two public schools. The facility…

Written by: Eamon Flynn, Second Year Student at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law It is no secret that the American legal system is slow. A harm is suffered, a complaint is filed and responded to, discovery is conducted, and parties file motions, all before a trial is conducted. Then,…

Written by: Laird Minor, Eamon Flynn The Lawsuit A suit was brought against Clemson University over its “life trustees” serving on their board of trustees. NOLAS Trading Co. and John Sloan, taking over from his father, Ned Sloan, brought suit against Clemson over these trustees. Plaintiffs argued that these trustees violated the South Carolina Constitution…

A significant constitutional dispute over Clemson University’s Board of Trustees is making its way through South Carolina’s court system. The case, brought by NOLAS Trading Co. and Ned Sloan, later taken over by his son, John Sloan challenges the appointment and service terms of the university’s lifetime trustees. Background and Legal Framework Clemson University was…

A South Carolina judge has upheld SLED’s usage of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) in South Carolina. ALPRs have been placed throughout the state and indiscriminately capture the license plates of all those who drive through their field of view. After tracking the license plates, that information would be retained in a database for up…

In Oconee County, South Carolina, there’s something in the water–taxation. In the fall of 2023, the county issued $25 million in bonds to fund wastewater and sewer treatment for an area near Interstate I-85, but it only benefits part of the county. When the bond proposal was first discussed during County Council meetings, several citizens…