S.C. R. P. Admin. Law. Ct. 17

As amended through November 6, 2024

Rule 17 - Scheduling Conferences and Orders

A. Scheduling Conference. At any time after the case has been assigned, the administrative law judge may hold a scheduling conference with the parties of record, by telephone if convenient, to determine:

(1) the necessity or desirability of prehearing statements or amendments;

(2) the simplification of the issues;

(3) the possibility of obtaining stipulations of fact and of documents to avoid unnecessary proof;

(4) the limitation and exchange of expert testimony;

(5) the scheduling of discovery;

(6) the possibility of resolving the matter through settlement, reference to mediation or other alternative forms of dispute resolution.

B. Scheduling Order. The administrative law judge, after the conference, may issue an appropriate order containing the action, if any, taken at the scheduling conference.

S.C. R. P. Admin. Law. Ct. 17

2013 Revised Notes

This rule gives the judge the power to hold a pre-hearing conference in any case, preferably by telephone. The matters discussed include the opportunity for settlement conferences or alternative dispute resolution if appropriate. The administrative law judge issues an appropriate order to guide the pre-hearing proceedings. In accordance with the repeal of former Rule 18, this Rule was revised in 2013 to substitute "prehearing statements" for "pleadings" in subpart (A)(1). Subpart (A)(3) is also amended to substitute "stipulations" for "admissions."