Donald W. Beatty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Beatty
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court | |
| In office January 1, 2017 – July 31, 2024 |
|
| Preceded by | Costa M. Pleicones |
| Succeeded by | John W. Kittredge |
| Associate Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court | |
| In office May 23, 2007 – December 21, 2016 |
|
| Preceded by | E. C. Burnett III |
| Succeeded by | George C. James |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 31st district |
|
| In office January 1991 – January 1995 |
|
| Preceded by | Tee Ferguson |
| Succeeded by | Brenda Lee |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Donald Wayne Beatty
April 29, 1952 Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | South Carolina State University (BA) University of South Carolina, Columbia (JD) |
Donald Wayne Beatty, born on April 29, 1952, is a very important person in South Carolina's legal history. He used to be the top judge, called the Chief Justice, for the South Carolina Supreme Court. Before that, he was a judge in other state courts and even served as a representative for his community.
Contents
About Donald Beatty's Early Life
Donald Beatty was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on April 29, 1952. His parents were Arthur and Ruth Beatty. He went to South Carolina State University and earned a degree in 1974.
Later, he studied law at the University of South Carolina and became a lawyer in 1979. Donald Beatty married Angela D. Chestnut on February 23, 1985. They have three children together.
Donald Beatty's Political Career
Before becoming a judge, Donald Beatty was involved in politics. From 1988 to 1990, he was a member of the Spartanburg city council. This council helps make decisions for the city.
After that, he served two terms in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He represented the 31st district from 1991 to 1994. In this role, he helped create laws for the state.
Donald Beatty's Judicial Career
Donald Beatty spent many years working as a judge. He held several important positions in the legal system.
Serving on the South Carolina Supreme Court
On May 23, 2007, Donald Beatty was chosen to be a judge on the South Carolina Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the state. He took the place of Justice E. C. Burnett, III.
Then, on January 1, 2017, he became the Chief Justice of the court. This means he was the main leader of all the judges. He took over after Chief Justice Costa M. Pleicones retired.
Nomination to a Federal Court
In 2016, President Barack Obama wanted Donald Beatty to become a judge for a federal court. This court is called the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. He was nominated on February 25, 2016.
A hearing was held on June 21, 2016, to discuss his nomination. However, his nomination ended on January 3, 2017, because the term of that Congress finished.
Retirement from the Supreme Court
In 2024, Donald Beatty turned 72 years old. In South Carolina, judges must retire when they reach this age. So, he retired from his role as Chief Justice on July 31, 2024.
After his retirement, Judge John W. Kittredge became the new Chief Justice. On June 5, 2024, the South Carolina General Assembly chose Letitia Verdin to take Judge Kittredge's previous seat on the court.
