Retired chief justice assigned exclusive jurisdiction

Retired chief justice Jean Toal of South Carolina has been delegated exclusive jurisdiction for Alex Murdaugh’s motion hearing to decide jury tampering allegations arising from the trial that convicted the Low Country lawyer on two murder charges.  Current South Carolina Chief Justice Donald Beatty has ordered that “Justice Toal shall decide all matters pertaining to these cases, including motions to appoint and relieve counsel, and shall retain jurisdiction over these cases….”  While she served as chief justice in 2003 from the steps of the Oconee Courthouse, Toal gave the featured speech during the grand opening ceremony for the courthouse.