(Columbia-AP) Dec. 2, 2003 - State Supreme Court Justice Jean Toal breezed through a public hearing Tuesday on her qualifications to serve ten more years as the state's top judge.

The state's first female chief justice answered questions on topics ranging from her car accident involving alcohol two years ago to her temperament toward lawyers and court employees. Toal faces no opposition in her re-election bid.

The Judicial Merit Selection Commission determines whether candidates for judgeships are qualified and nominates them to the General Assembly. They took no action Tuesday. Lawmakers and Toal will elect a Court of Appeals judge, 14 Circuit Court judges and 22 Family Court judges in February.

Republican Representative Doug Smith, of Spartanburg, says Toal has been an asset to the state and he commended her on the last six years.

Posted 10:07pm by BrettWitt