“I, Costa Michael Pleicones, do solemnly swear, that I am duly qualified, according to the constitution of this state, to exercise the duties of the office, Chief Justice of South Carolina. That I will, to the best of my ability, discharge the duty thereof, preserve, protect and defend, the constitution of this state, and of the United States. I pledge to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary. I pledge in the discharge of my duties, to treat all persons who enter the courtroom with civility, fairness and respect. I pledge to listen courteously. Sit impartially. Act promptly. And rule after careful and considerate deliberation. I pledge to seek justice and justice alone. So help me God.”
During an investiture ceremony on Jan. 7, 2016, Costa M. Pleicones ’65 repeated the above oath of office to become the chief justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court. Retired Chief Justice E. C. Burnett III ’64, a friend of Pleicones since their Wofford years, gave the opening speech. The Rev. Ron Robinson ’78, Perkins Prothro Chaplain and Professor of Religion at Wofford, shared a benediction to close the ceremony. During the investiture, Pleicones was surrounded by his wife and daughters. He will serve through December 2016.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Pleicones began his career as an attorney with the U.S. Army. He then held positions as a public defender, municipal judge and county attorney before entering private practice. He was elected to the circuit court in 1991 and became an associate justice in 2000.
by Sarah Madden ’17
Spring 2016