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Jerry Buck Inman v. State
Citation: Not availableDocket: 28135
Court: Supreme Court of South Carolina; February 14, 2023; South Carolina; State Supreme Court
Original Court Document: View Document
The South Carolina Supreme Court reversed a post-conviction relief (PCR) court's order that granted relief to Jerry Buck Inman based solely on the unconstitutionality of section 16-3-20(B) of the South Carolina Code. Inman had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including murder, and subsequently waived his right to a jury trial. The PCR court ruled that section 16-3-20(B), which mandates sentencing by a judge after a guilty plea, was unconstitutional based on the precedent set in Hurst v. Florida. However, the Supreme Court clarified that their previous decisions consistently upheld the constitutionality of section 16-3-20(B) and distinguished Hurst's application. The Court emphasized that the PCR court erred by not addressing Inman's other claims and reiterated that specific findings and conclusions are necessary for each issue presented under S.C. Code Ann. 17-27-80. The Supreme Court reversed the PCR court's ruling and remanded the case for further proceedings on Inman's remaining claims.