SCSCJA was established in 1973 and was originally named the South Carolina Magistrates Association; it later expanded to include municipal court judges and now has over 500 active and retired members. The Association is dedicated to the improvement of the judiciary through the promotion of professionalism, education and legislation affecting the summary courts and the administration of fair and equal justice in accordance with the law. These objectives are met through training conferences held throughout the year that provide members with information about new statutes and regulations, judicial ethics, and substantive and procedural law pertaining to the summary courts.