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On January 5, 2026, the South Carolina Court of Appeals announced new rules aimed at streamlining the appellate process in the state. The changes come after years of complaints from lawyers and clients about the lengthy and cumbersome nature of the appeals process.One of the most significant changes is the implementation of strict deadlines for filing briefs and other documents. Under the new rules, attorneys will be required to file their briefs within 30 days of the notice of appeal being filed. This marks a significant departure from the previous practice, which allowed for much longer periods of time for filing briefs.In addition to the new filing deadlines, the court also announced that it will be implementing a new procedure for requesting oral arguments. Previously, attorneys had to request oral arguments in writing after filing their briefs. Under the new rules, oral arguments will automatically be scheduled unless both parties agree to waive them.The court hopes that these changes will help to expedite the appeals process and reduce delays in resolving cases. South Carolina Court of Appeals Chief Justice Maria Rodriguez stated, "By implementing these new rules, we hope to make the appellate process more efficient and accessible for all parties involved. Our goal is to ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner while maintaining fairness and due process for all."The legal community in South Carolina has generally welcomed the new rules, with many attorneys expressing hope that they will lead to a more efficient and predictable appellate process. Scott Thompson, a prominent appellate attorney in Charleston, remarked, "These changes are long overdue. The appellate process in South Carolina has been plagued by delays and inefficiencies for far too long. I believe that these new rules will go a long way towards addressing these issues and improving the overall functioning of the system."Overall, the new rules mark a significant shift in the practice of appellate law in South Carolina and are expected to have a positive impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the court's operations. It remains to be seen how these changes will play out in practice, but for now, many in the legal community are cautiously optimistic about the future of appellate practice in the state.