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20 S.C. B. News 1 (2008-2009)

handle is hein.barjournals/socarbn0020 and id is 1 raw text is: Pe Sot Cain BaNW ww Isbr' r Octe 20 0 - 1.: 0 , N o. Court of Appeals implements new case processing system Within the past few years, the Court of Appeals' book of business has increased significantly. The court's docket has swelled to include direct appeals from the Administrative Law Court, direct appeals in workers' compensa- tion cases, and petitions for writ of certio- rari from post-conviction relief hearings. Because the court is deciding more cases, it is implementing a new case processing sys- tem, which will do two things: increase the number of oral arguments it hears and reduce the number of lengthy, unpublished opinions it issues. The court's long-standing practice has been to hear oral arguments during one week every month. Beginning in October, the court will have two weeks of oral argu- ments, hearing between 27 and 38 argu- ments each month. The court's expanded docket not only warrants additional days of oral argument, but also requires the court to change the way it reviews cases and issues opinions. In the past, the authoring judge of every case discussed the appeal with a staff attorney or law clerk, who then prepared a draft opin- ion. This draft opinion was circulated to the other panel members prior to the judges' conference on the case. If the other two panel members agreed with the authoring judge's proposed resolution, the draft opin- ion was converted into the final opinion. The result: even if the panel chose not to publish the opinion, a full-blown analysis of the case was issued. This created a shadow docket practitioners could access on the Internet but could not cite as precedent. Effective September 2008, staff attorneys and law clerks no longer prepare draft opin- ions, but prepare bench memoranda instead. These memoranda are less formal than draft opinions and serve to expedite the judges' decision by providing an objective recita- tion of the facts, issues on appeal and appli- cable law. If the judges decide to issue an unpublished opinion, they will do so in a short and summary fashion, often pursuant to Rule 220(b)(1), SCACR. If a lengthier analysis is required, a published opinion will be drafted and filed. Times, they are a changing, and the Court of Appeals is changing too. With this new case processing system, the court feels confident it can continue to resolve appeals fairly and efficiently despite its burgeoning caseload. Bar Convention moves to new venue in 2009 In January, the Bar Convention will offer another exceptional year's worth of CLE programs, remain- ing the most economical way to fulfill your entire CLE requirement while enjoying networking and fantastic social events. The Convention's new venue, the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes, has more amenities than any other destination in the Carolinas. It boasts its own 18-hole cham- pionship golf course, a state of the art fitness and tennis center and European spa with an Convention, continued on page 12. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Bar Bytes Bar Foundation News Calendar Classifieds CLE News Firm Announcements Judicial Advisory Opinions Legal Administrators News Risk Management 16-17

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