Despite threats of a tropical storm, people traveled from across the state to watch as the Honorable Donald W. Beatty (‘79) passed the gavel to The Honorable John W. Kittredge (‘79 criminal justice, ‘82 law), newly elected chief justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court. 

“I'm not an island unto myself,” Kittredge said in his remarks, referring to the famous quote by 17th century poet John Donne. “I am not here of my own accord or merit. I’m here because of you. Whether family, close friend, professional colleague.”  

Among the attendees were the current and former governors, fellow justices, judges, legislators, attorneys, and a former ambassador, all there to honor Kittredge’s ascent to the most senior office of the state’s highest court. 

Kittredge has served in the South Carolina judiciary for more than 30 year. He was elected to the Family Court in 1991, the Circuit Court in 1996, the Court of Appeals in 2003 and the state Supreme Court in 2008 as an associate justice.  

“Those of us who wear the robe are like everyone else in that we’re not perfect. Yet, your South Carolina judiciary gets up every day seeking to do their best,” Kittredge says. “Together, [myself and my fellow justices] will strive to be good and faithful stewards of the solemn responsibility that has been entrusted to us by the state of South Carolina, to serve the people of this great state.” 

In closing, Kittredge thanked the justices, law clerks, attorneys, court reporters, and other legal professionals – many of whom were watching from the Karen J. Williams courtroom, where the investiture was live streamed – for their work behind the scenes. 

Afterward, Kittredge celebrated among family, friends and colleagues at the reception held at the USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law.