South Carolina § 23-13-20 - Bond and oath.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-13-20 — Bond and oath., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-13-20. Bond and oath.
Each deputy sheriff shall, before entering upon the discharge of his duty, enter into bond in the sum of one thousand dollars, with sufficient surety, to be approved by the sheriff of the county, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties and for the payment to the county and to any person of all such damages as they or any of them may sustain by reason of his malfeasance in office or abuse of his discretion. He shall, in addition to the oath of office now prescribed by Section 26, of Article III, of the Constitution, take the following oath (or affirmation) to wit: "I further solemnly swear (or affirm) that during my term of office as county deputy, I will study the act prescribing my duties, will be alert and vigilant to enforce the criminal laws of the State and to detect and bring to punishment every violator of them, will conduct myself at all times with due consideration to all persons and will not be influenced in any matter on account of personal bias or prejudice. So help me, God." The form of such bond shall be approved by the county attorney and, with the oaths, shall be filed with and kept by the clerk of court for the county.
A blanket bond may be used in any county to fulfill the bond requirement of this section upon approval of the County Council and the County Attorney.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 53-77; 1952 Code SECTION 53-77; 1942 Code SECTIONS 3488, 3494; 1932 Code SECTIONS 3488, 3494; Civ. C. '22 SECTIONS 2033, 2039; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 1147; Civ. C. '02 SECTION 831; G. S. 654; R. S. 714; 1870 (14) 332; 1880 (17) 4; 1912 (27) 865; 1981 Act No. 105, SECTION 1.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 23-13-20
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-13-20 cover?
Section 23-13-20 ("Bond and oath.") 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 § 23-13-20?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-13-20" (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 § 23-13-20 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.