South Carolina Constitution Article XVII - Miscellaneous Matters
Article XVII of the South Carolina Constitution is titled "Miscellaneous Matters" and includes a wide range of provisions that do not fall under the more structured departments of government. These provisions address ethics, disqualifications, oaths, public protections, and other general legal principles.
🔹 Summary of Article XVII – Miscellaneous Matters (South Carolina Constitution)
Section 1: Qualifications for Office
No person may hold two offices of honor or profit at the same time.
Exceptions include military officers, notaries public, and other specific roles authorized by law.
Section 1A: Ethics in Government
The General Assembly must enact laws ensuring ethical conduct in public service.
Includes financial disclosures and standards for removing officials for misconduct.
Section 2: Disqualification from Office
Anyone convicted of a felony or an offense against election laws is disqualified from holding public office unless pardoned.
Section 3: Duel Participation
Individuals who engage in dueling (challenging or accepting a duel) are disqualified from holding public office.
Section 4: Oath of Office
All public officers must take an oath to support the U.S. and South Carolina Constitutions and to faithfully discharge their duties.
Section 5: Bribery
Officials convicted of bribery are forever disqualified from public office.
Section 6: Lotteries
Lotteries are prohibited unless authorized by a constitutional amendment (e.g., state education lottery).
Section 7: Divorce
Legislature may enact laws allowing divorce only on specified grounds (e.g., adultery, desertion, physical cruelty).
Section 8: Pensions
State may provide pensions only to individuals injured in public service (e.g., veterans, police).
Section 9: Public Defenders
Each county must provide for public defender services.
Section 10: Emergency Interim Succession
Laws must be in place for continuity of government during emergencies.
Section 11: Alcoholic Beverages
Laws may regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol, including by the drink.
Section 12: Marriage
Initially stated that marriage was between one man and one woman (overridden by federal law after Obergefell v. Hodges).
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