The LWVSC contended "that the legislature violated the intent of a 1996 constitutional amendment when it stacked a newly formed judicial nominating commission with state lawmakers." (346) In its brief the League argued "that the Legislature improperly qualifies and nominates judges [in addition to] voting on the final appointment"; South Carolina's system allows Legislators to control the JMSC and the ultimate election of candidates for judgeships.
(388) In 2009 he LWVSC reported the only numbers that could be located on the gender and racial composition of the South Carolina bar; hence, these numbers are being used as a point of comparison with 2011 numbers.