S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-60
Trial of issue
Operative Text
If the tenant appear and contest ejectment the magistrate shall forthwith hear and determine the case as any other civil case, allowing trial by jury if demanded by either party.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-60, when a tenant shows up and disputes an ejectment proceeding, the magistrate is required to treat the matter as a standard civil case and resolve it through normal civil procedures. Either the landlord or the tenant may demand a jury trial, and that right must be honored. The provision ensures that a contested ejectment is not decided summarily but instead follows the same procedural framework as other civil litigation before the magistrate.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-60, when a tenant contests an ejectment action, property owners and managers should be prepared for the case to proceed as a full civil matter before the magistrate, with all associated procedural requirements. A compliant operator typically ensures that their evidence, witnesses, and documentation are organized and ready for a formal hearing. Either party has the right to demand a jury trial, so landlords generally account for that possibility when planning for an ejectment proceeding.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-60 gives tenants who appear before the magistrate and contest an ejectment the right to have the matter heard as a regular civil case rather than a quick, one-sided proceeding. Importantly, tenants may demand a jury trial, which is a significant procedural protection available in a contested ejectment. Tenants facing ejectment proceedings may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand how to exercise these procedural rights effectively.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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