Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Courthouse Naming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Southampton supervisors defer decision on naming courthouse after Chief Justice Goodwin amid divided views
Summary
Community speakers largely urged naming the new Southampton County Courthouse for Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwin, citing local roots and statewide achievement. Supervisors raised fairness, precedent and timing concerns and voted to revisit the proposal after Goodwin retires.
Rick Francis, a longtime Boykins resident, presented a petition and packet asking the Southampton County Board of Supervisors to dedicate the county courthouse to Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwin, who is retiring at year-end. Francis and multiple public speakers cited Goodwin’s local roots in Boykins and Branchville, his educational achievements and statewide judicial service as reasons the building should honor him.
The proposal drew repeated public support during general comment: Sharon Joyner Callahan (Southampton High School alumnus and class representative) and other alumni said naming the courthouse after Goodwin would signal hometown pride and provide role models for local youth. Several attorneys and community leaders who spoke at the meeting echoed those themes.
Board members debated whether naming a taxpayer‑funded courthouse for a living jurist was appropriate. Some supervisors said the county previously agreed to keep the building as the South Hampton County Courthouse, argued naming decisions can feel like popularity contests, or said they wanted more time to review the justice’s judicial record and potential policy positions before committing. Other supervisors and supporters said Goodwin’s credentials and service make him uniquely qualified.
After extended discussion the board did not adopt an ordinance or plaque design. Supervisor Carl moved — and the board seconded — a motion to revisit the matter after Chief Justice Goodwin has formally retired; the board approved that motion. No naming action or fiscal appropriation was taken at the meeting.
The board instructed staff to place the item back on a future agenda after Goodwin’s retirement, giving members and the public an opportunity to provide further materials and context before any formal dedication.
Next steps: the board will reconsider the request after Goodwin’s retirement, at which point members said they expect to review any formal proposals and supporting documentation.
