Welcome to the official website of the South Carolina Summary Court Judges Association.

My name is Tomothy C. Edmond, and it is my distinct honor and privilege to serve as President of this great organization. I have had the privilege of serving as a Summary Court Judge (Magistrate) in Richland County since 2008, and I have been a proud member of the South Carolina Summary Court Judges Association throughout my judicial career.

Founded in 1973, the South Carolina Summary Court Judges Association is a voluntary, nonprofit, private association dedicated to supporting and strengthening South Carolina's Summary Court Judiciary. Today, our Association represents more than 500 judges across South Carolina. Our Association serves as a coordinating voice for Summary Court Judges and works with South Carolina Court Administration, under the leadership of the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve this Association in several capacities, including as Chaplain Chair, Legislative Chair, Sergeant-at-Arms, Information Technology (IT) Chair, and recently as the First Vice President. I was especially grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside our past president, The Honorable Derrick F. Dash, who has helped strengthen this organization, and his commitment to the Association has been an example to many of us.

This organization is dedicated to improving the judiciary through professionalism, continuing judicial education, collaboration, and legislative advocacy on matters affecting Summary Courts and the administration of justice.

I have also had the privilege of serving in judicial leadership. These experiences have reinforced my belief that a strong judiciary depends not only upon the individual judge, but also upon professionalism, education, cooperation, accountability, and respect for the role of every member of the judicial system. I am committed to the professional development of the Summary Court Judges. I believe that continuing education and the sharing of ideas and experiences among judges are essential to maintaining public confidence and ensuring that every person who comes before our courts is treated fairly and with dignity.

As President, one of my primary goals is to ensure that every member of this Association has a voice. This is a members' organization, and its strength comes from the participation, experience, and ideas of its members. I intend to listen to our judges, encourage open communication, and work to foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and dignity among our membership and within our Board of Directors.

I believe our Association is strongest when we stand together, recognizing and respecting the unique challenges faced by each judge and jurisdiction.

On behalf of the South Carolina Summary Court Judges Association, I welcome you to our website. Please remember that while our website is open to the public, certain portions are in a secure members-only area and are available exclusively to Association members.

It is an honor to serve as your President, and I look forward to working with each of you. Appreciate all that you do

Respectfully,