South Carolina § 17-5-50 - Vacancy.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-5-50 — Vacancy., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-5-50. Vacancy.
(A) Except as provided in subsection (B), in the event of a vacancy in the office of coroner, the Governor shall fill the office by appointing a qualified replacement to serve until the earlier of the following:
(1) the next general election for the office of coroner; or
(2) the next general election, in which case an election shall be to fill the unexpired term.
In either circumstance, the person appointed by the Governor shall hold office until his successor shall qualify.
(B) If a county coroner is suspended by the Governor upon the coroner's indictment or for other reasons, the chief magistrate of that county shall act as coroner until the suspended coroner is reinstated or until a coroner is elected and qualifies in the next general election for coroners, whichever occurs first.
(C) Except as provided in subsection (B), the chief deputy or second in command of the coroner's office shall act as coroner until the vacancy is filled by the Governor's appointment. While acting as coroner, the chief deputy or second in command is subject to the duties and liabilities incident to the office of coroner and shall receive the same salary as the former coroner at the time of the vacancy.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 17-57; 1952 Code SECTION 17-57; 1942 Code SECTION 3555; 1932 Code SECTION 3555; Civ. C. '22 SECTION 2100; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 1279; Civ. C. '02 SECTION 880; G. S. 713; R. S. 751; 1882 (17) 1126; 2001 Act No. 73, SECTION 1; 2007 Act No. 52, SECTION 1, eff June 6, 2007; 2008 Act No. 314, SECTION 1, eff June 11, 2008.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 17-5-50
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-5-50 cover?
Section 17-5-50 ("Vacancy.") 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 § 17-5-50?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-5-50" (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 § 17-5-50 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.