Arbitrates disputes, advises counsel, jury, litigants, or court personnel, and administers municipal judicial system. Works under the broad policy guidance and direction of the City Council. Supervise court clerks or other staff, as assigned. Implement court orders from the Supreme Court and implements directives from the SC Court Administration.

Establishes rules of procedure on questions for which standard procedures have not been established by law or by superior court. Schedules trial dates, bond proceedings, receipt of monies, cash deposits, manages and prepares office budget. Examines evidence in criminal cases to determine if evidence will support charges. Listens to presentation of case, rules on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony and settles disputes between opposing attorneys or parties. Meets with public, police officers and attorneys.

Presides over jury trial, bench trials and rules on motions. Sentences defendant in criminal or traffic cases; defendants convicted by jury or bench trial, according to statutes of state or municipal government. Determines probable cause and issues arrest and search warrants. Conducts bail proceedings, sets bond for defendants; including weekends and after hours when needed: determines appropriate bonds for defendants for released and or surety bonds. Determines conditions of bonds by requiring appropriate behavior of defendants and protecting victim’s rights. Oversees the payment of restitution to victims of crime. Adjudicates parking ticket appeals. Provides general supervision over related staff. Schedules training for staff, as needed. Files reports with Court Administration, City Finance Department and other officials as necessary.