Aiken Welcomes Potential New Judge to the Court of Appeals
The sun shone brightly over Aiken today as residents enjoyed a brisk day with temperatures reaching a high of 59°F and wind gusts that made for a lively atmosphere. With winds blowing from the west at around 20 to 30 mph, it was a perfect day to be outdoors, albeit a little blustery!
In the midst of this pleasant weather, Aiken’s own Courtney Clyburn-Pope stepped into the spotlight. She recently went through an important step in her journey toward potentially landing a seat on the South Carolina Court of Appeals. Courtney, who has served as a judge in the Second Judicial Circuit since her election in 2019, is among the top candidates vying for this prestigious position.
A Step Closer to the Court of Appeals
On November 18, Clyburn-Pope was screened by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission during a public hearing. This is an exciting time not just for her, but also for the entire Aiken community, who have watched her career flourish since her days as Aiken’s city attorney from 2016 to 2019.
Throughout her legal career, Clyburn-Pope has earned a reputation as a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney. She completed her undergraduate studies in mass communications and journalism at the University of South Carolina, followed by her law degree from the same esteemed institution. Her strong roots in Aiken run deep as she is also the daughter of S.C. Rep. Bill Clyburn and former Aiken City Councilwoman Beverly Clyburn.
What Happens Next?
The journey to the court of appeals is not an easy one, and the process is quite methodical. After the vacancy was announced back in July, the commission screened three candidates: Clyburn-Pope, Kristi Curtis, and Jason Luther. Curtis is currently a judge in a district that spans Lee, Sumter, Clarendon, and Williamsburg counties, while Luther serves as the chief legal officer for the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
Following the screening, reports and background checks on each candidate were conducted, leading to the public hearing where candidates could make their case before the commission. In a sense, it’s like a job interview for a highly coveted role in the legal system!
Mark Your Calendars
Once this part of the process wraps up, nominations will be reported to the South Carolina General Assembly in January. This is where the real decision-making happens, and the assembly is slated to elect the new court of appeals judge in February. It’s going to be quite an event, and many in Aiken are hoping to hear some good news about Clyburn-Pope!
In the meantime, the weather will remain mild, though the winds may make it feel a bit chillier. Tonight, expect clear skies with temperatures dipping to a cool 37°F. Make sure to bundle up if you’re planning on heading out this evening!
As the days unfold, Aiken continues to be a hub of legal excellence and community pride, and many are watching closely as Clyburn-Pope embarks on this new chapter in her promising career. Her experiences and commitment to justice surely reflect the values that Aikin holds dear.
Stay tuned as we follow this exciting journey and remember, the winds may be gusty, but they’re also blowing in favor of Aiken’s bright future!
