SC Supreme Court Issues Rare Public Reprimands for Retired Judges

Three disciplinary actions in a single morning signal a tougher approach to judicial misconduct

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:05am

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The South Carolina Supreme Court issued public reprimands against three retired judges in a single morning, a highly unusual move that suggests the court is taking a tougher stance on judicial misconduct. The reprimands targeted a retired Spartanburg County magistrate for inappropriate behavior toward an employee, a former Greenwood County equity court judge for improper foreclosure practices, and a Greenville County magistrate for an illegal ex parte communication. Experts say the timing and details of these actions signal a shift toward greater transparency and accountability in the state's judicial discipline system.

Why it matters

The rare public reprimands, coming just a year after the state Supreme Court moved to open up its previously secretive judicial discipline process, indicate the court may be cracking down on misconduct that was previously handled behind closed doors. This increased transparency and tougher approach is seen as an effort to rebuild public trust in the judiciary after years of concerns about lack of oversight and discipline.

The details

In the first case, the court reprimanded retired Spartanburg County Magistrate James Crook for showing sexually suggestive pictures to an employee, asking about the woman's age, and commenting on her appearance. In the second case, the court reprimanded former Greenwood County Equity Court Judge Curtis Clark for foreclosing on and auctioning off property to his own family members, while misrepresenting his involvement to the state's judicial screening commission. The third case involved the suspension and reprimand of Greenville County Magistrate Darrell Scott Fisher for engaging in an illegal ex parte communication with a man he had just declined to issue a restraining order against.

  • On Wednesday morning, the SC Supreme Court issued the three public reprimand orders.

The players

James Crook

A retired Spartanburg County magistrate who was reprimanded for inappropriate behavior toward an employee.

Curtis Clark

A former Greenwood County Equity Court judge who was reprimanded for improper foreclosure practices involving his own family members.

Darrell Scott Fisher

A Greenville County magistrate who was suspended and reprimanded for engaging in an illegal ex parte communication.

John Kittredge

The Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court who implemented changes to increase transparency in the state's judicial discipline system.

Gary Clary

A retired Circuit Court judge who later served as a member of the South Carolina House and expressed skepticism about the lack of disciplinary actions against judges in the state.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.