2021 South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 25 - Military, Civil Defense and Veterans Affairs
Chapter 1 - Military Code
Section 25-1-3080. Courts of inquiry.

Courts of inquiry to investigate any matter of concern to the military forces may be convened by the Governor or Adjutant General for that purpose, whether or not the persons involved have requested such an inquiry.

A court of inquiry consists of three or more commissioned officers. For each court of inquiry the convening authority shall also appoint counsel for the court.

Any person subject to this code whose conduct is subject to inquiry must be designated as a party. Any person subject to this code or employed by or for the military forces, who has a direct interest in the subject of inquiry has the right to be designated as a party upon request to the court. Any person designated as a party must be given due notice and has the right to be present, to be represented by counsel, to cross-examine witnesses, and to introduce evidence.

Members of a court of inquiry may be challenged by a party, but only for cause stated to the court.

The members, counsel, the reporter, and the interpreters of courts of inquiry shall take an oath to faithfully perform their duties.

Witnesses may be summoned to appear and testify and be examined before courts of inquiry, as provided for courts-martial.

Courts of inquiry shall make findings of fact but may not express opinions or make recommendations unless required to do so by the convening authority.

Each court of inquiry shall keep a record of its proceedings, which must be authenticated by the signatures of the president and counsel for the court and forwarded to the convening authority. If the record may not be authenticated by the president, it must be signed by a member in lieu of the president. If the record may not be authenticated by the counsel for the court, it must be signed by a member in lieu of the counsel.

HISTORY: Former Section 25-1-3080 [1962 Code Section 44-208; 1964 (53) 2241] recodified as Sections 25-1-2490 and 25-1-2800 by 1984 Act No. 378; New Section 25-1-3080 [derived from former Section 25-1-3100 (1950 (46) 1881; 1952 Code Sections 44-219, 44-221; 1962 Code Section 44-211; 1964 (53) 2241)] En by 1984 Act No. 378, Section 83; 1985 Act No. 84, Section 40.