South Carolina § 22-3-540 - Exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 22-3-540 — Exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-3-540. Exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction.
Magistrates shall have exclusive jurisdiction of all criminal cases in which the punishment does not exceed a fine of one hundred dollars or imprisonment for thirty days, except cases in which an offense within the jurisdiction of a magistrate is included in the charge of an offense beyond his jurisdiction or when it is permissible to join a charge of an offense within his jurisdiction with one or more of which the magistrate has no jurisdiction. Magistrates shall have concurrent but not exclusive jurisdiction in the excepted cases. The provisions of this section shall not be construed so as to limit the jurisdiction of any magistrate whose jurisdiction has been extended beyond that stated above.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 43-68; 1952 Code SECTION 43-68; 1942 Code SECTION 3709; 1932 Code SECTION 3709; Civ. C. '22 SECTION 2243; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 1393; Civ. C. '02 SECTION 985; 1897 (22) 472; 1951 (47) 442.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 22-3-540
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 22-3-540 cover?
Section 22-3-540 ("Exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction.") 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 § 22-3-540?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 22-3-540" (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 § 22-3-540 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.