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Don Beatty
Donald W Beatty.jpg
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

(1952-04-29) April 29, 1952 (age 73)
Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Education South Carolina State University (BA)
University of South Carolina, Columbia (JD)

Donald Wayne Beatty (born April 29, 1952) is a respected American judge. He served as the top judge, or Chief Justice, of the South Carolina Supreme Court. He also worked as a judge in other state courts and was a state representative.

Early Life and Education

Donald Wayne 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 Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. Later, he studied law at the University of South Carolina. He received his law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1979.

On February 23, 1985, Beatty married Angela D. Chestnut. They have three children together.

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.

He then served two terms in the South Carolina House of Representatives. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state. He represented the 31st district from 1991 to 1994.

Judicial Career

Donald Beatty has had a long and important career as a judge.

South Carolina Supreme Court

On May 23, 2007, 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.

On January 1, 2017, he became the Chief Justice of the court. The Chief Justice is the main leader of the state's highest court. He was chosen for this role after Chief Justice Costa M. Pleicones retired.

Retirement

In 2024, Chief Justice Beatty reached 72 years old. In South Carolina, judges must retire when they turn 72. So, he retired from his position on July 31, 2024.

After his retirement, Judge John W. Kittredge became the new Chief Justice. The South Carolina General Assembly also elected Letitia Verdin to fill the seat that Judge Kittredge left open.

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