State v. Travis Latrell Lawrence

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals’ decision that co‑defendant Terell Bennett faced an openly apparent hazard of self‑incrimination and therefore properly invoked his Fifth Amendment privilege. The Court also clarified that trial courts must not permit blanket Fifth Amendment assertions and should allow counsel for both the witness and the party calling the witness to be present at any in‑camera examination. The decision was rendered de novo on questions of law.