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 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.
Contents
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.
