A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE HONORABLE LEE CASEY MANNING, JUDGE IN THE 5TH CIRCUIT COURT IN COLUMBIA, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE BENCH AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives have learned that the Honorable Lee Casey Manning, judge of the 5th Circuit Court in Columbia, soon will begin a well-deserved retirement after a distinguished legal career of many years in the Palmetto State; and

Whereas, born in Dillon on December 7, 1950, Judge Manning earned his bachelor's degree in 1973 and his Juris Doctor in 1977, both from the University of South Carolina. He credits his parents, Harnethea and Paul Manning, Sr., who were not able to complete their own education, for ensuring that their seven children all earned their college degrees. During his high school years, he was named an All American in basketball and South Carolina Player of the Year. In college, this four-year scholar athlete was presented the Outstanding Senior Award in 1973; and

Whereas, in 1994, he was elected a Circuit Court judge for the 5th Judicial Circuit in Columbia, where he presently serves. As a judge in the 5th Circuit Court, he is responsible for general jurisdiction and civil and criminal trials through the death penalty. Previously, Judge Manning served as a constable and agent with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (1973-1974). Six years later, he served as a part­time instructor at Florence Darlington Technical College. From 1979 through 1983, he practiced law in Dillon County and from 1984 to 1989 served as a private detective in Los Angeles, California. He then became a partner with Walker, Morgan & Manning in Lexington County (1989 to 1994); and

Whereas, Casey Manning serves in several organizations, including the Circuit Court Judges' Advisory Committee, South Carolina Commission on Judicial Conduct, South Carolina Sentencing Guidelines Commission, Rules on Judicial Discipline & Standards, and Criminal Docketing Committee; and

Whereas, his honors are numerous. Among them are the Outstanding Contribution to Justice Award, Dorn VA Medical Center Black History Award, American Board of Trial Advocates Award, NBLSA Award, and United Way Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. In addition, he received the South Carolina Supreme Court G. Dewey Oxner, Jr., Lawyer Mentoring Award, and he was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. Most recently, he was featured in the South Carolina African American History Calendar (2021) and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law from USC (2022); and

Whereas, at leisure, Judge Manning enjoys serving as a broadcaster for the USC basketball team, fishing, playing basketball, and spending time with his children and grandchildren; and

Whereas, to recognize Judge Manning for his many years of service, his colleagues and friends will host a retirement celebration in his honor on December 8, 2022; and

Whereas, the House is grateful for the legacy of leadership and jurisprudence Judge Manning has bestowed on his home State and appreciates his long and enduring service. His admirers, who are legion, wish him well as he enters retirement and trust he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and commend the Honorable Lee Casey Manning, judge in the 5th Circuit Court in Columbia, upon the occasion of his retirement from the bench and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Honorable Lee Casey Manning.

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