Easy re-election

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State Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal is an extraordinarily able jurist, so it's little wonder she easily won re-election to a 10-year term. Winning it by acclamation, however, is a strong indicator of the respect legislators hold for the state's first female chief justice.

Toal was elevated from associate justice to chief justice in March 2000. Her exceptional intellect, skill and drive aided her in this breakthrough that has set new standards for the state's high court and has inspired a younger generation of female lawyers.

When Toal was first elected chief justice, she had an ambitious agenda that included advocating more continuing education for judges, especially magistrates, and bringing a pen-and-paper court system into the technology age. She's moved with speed and determination to accomplish her goals, and in doing so she has helped shape a stronger and more accessible judicial branch during some challenging budget times. South Carolina will benefit from her service over the next 10 years.