South Carolina § 8-5-20 - Buying and selling of offices prohibited.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 8-5-20 — Buying and selling of offices prohibited., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8-5-20. Buying and selling of offices prohibited.
If any person (a) bargain for the purchase or sale of, or sell, any office or deputation thereof, or any part thereof, (b) receive any money, fee, reward or any other profit, directly or indirectly or (c) take any promise, agreement, covenant, bond or assurance for the payment of any money, fee, reward or other profit, directly or indirectly, for any office or deputation thereof, or any part thereof or to the intent that any person should have, exercise or enjoy any office or deputation thereof, or any part thereof, which office, or any part thereof, shall in any wise touch or concern the administration or execution of justice or the receipt, control or payment of any public treasure, money, rent, revenue, account, auditorship or surveying of any public lands or which shall touch or concern any clerkship to be occupied in any court of record wherein justice is administered, such person shall not only lose and forfeit all right and interest in or to such office or deputation thereof, or any part thereof, but shall immediately, upon the payment of such fee, money or reward or upon any such promise, covenant, bond or agreement had or made for the payment of such fee, sum of money or reward, be adjudged a disabled person in law, to all intents and purposes, to have, occupy or enjoy such office or deputation, or any part thereof, for which any such person shall so give or enjoy or make any promise, covenant, bond or other assurance to give or pay any sum of money, fee or reward.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 50-102; 1952 Code SECTION 50-102; 1942 Code SECTION 3065; 1932 Code SECTION 3065; Civ. C. '22 SECTION 752; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 670; Civ. C. '02 SECTION 601; G. S. 454; R. S. 520; 1737 (3) 468.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 8-5-20
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 8-5-20 cover?
Section 8-5-20 ("Buying and selling of offices prohibited.") 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 § 8-5-20?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 8-5-20" (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 § 8-5-20 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.