South Carolina § 20-4-320 - Definitions.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 20-4-320 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-4-320. Definitions.
For purposes of this article:
(1) "Foreign protection order" means a protection order issued by a tribunal of another state.
(2) "Issuing state" means the state whose tribunal issues a protection order.
(3) "Mutual foreign protection order" means a foreign protection order that includes provisions in favor of both the protected individual seeking enforcement of the order and the respondent.
(4) "Protected individual" means an individual protected by a protection order.
(5) "Protection order" means an injunction or other order, issued by a tribunal under the domestic violence, family violence, or anti-stalking laws of the issuing state, to prevent an individual from engaging in violent or threatening acts against, harassment of, contact or communication with, or physical proximity to, another individual.
(6) "Respondent" means the individual against whom enforcement of a protection order is sought.
(7) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes an Indian tribe or band that has jurisdiction to issue protection orders.
(8) "Tribunal" means a court, agency, or other entity authorized by law to issue or modify a protection order.
HISTORY: 2007 Act No. 61, SECTION 1, eff June 8, 2007.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 20-4-320
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 20-4-320 cover?
Section 20-4-320 ("Definitions.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 20-4-320?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 20-4-320" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 20-4-320 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.