COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Some South Carolina sheriff's worry they may have to provide security in magistrate's courts.
The State newspaper reported Monday the worries come after a South Carolina Supreme Court decision that Lexington County was responsible for the safety of a woman attacked by her ex-boyfriend in a magistrate's court. The justices ordered a lower court to decide if the woman gets damages.
Lawyers for Lexington County say the ruling does not apply to all magistrate courts. But the woman's lawyer argues that counties should be on notice about violent crime hearings in magistrate courts.
Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam Parker says his county couldn't afford security in all magistrate courts.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says domestic violence cases at the magistrate's level are heard at one site with officers present.
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