SC will miss Chief Justice Ernest Finney

Former S.C. Chief Justice Ernest Finney was a quiet and humble giant who rose from humble origins and endured the limitations of the segregated South before he could even begin his law career.

As a legislator he worked to improve voter representation, as an attorney he fought for justice in such celebrated cases as the Rock Hill Nine, and as chief justice, he ruled in 1999 that all the state’s children were entitled to a “minimally adequate education” in “adequate and safe facilities.”

Justice Finney’s unassuming demeanor garnered him respect far and wide. His quest for justice and equity and his love of law made him a perfect fit to become the first black chief justice in the state. His influence is seen in his offspring: His two sons are lawyers, and his daughter, Nikki Finney, is a renowned poet and teacher at the University of South Carolina.

Justice Finney received about every prestigious award that can be bestowed upon a citizen of this state. His is a life worth studying and emulating.

The school districts throughout this state would do well to create space or carve out a moment in their social studies or history classes to study the life of this great South Carolinian. The legal profession and this state owe a debt of gratitude to this quiet and humble giant.

This story was originally published January 18, 2018 at 10:31 AM with the headline "SC will miss Chief Justice Ernest Finney."