H4714

Battered Spouse Syndrome

Introduced·1/13/26
Introduced Text

Establishes a rebuttable presumption of battered spouse syndrome in self-defense cases.

This bill amends South Carolina law to allow evidence of battered spouse syndrome in criminal cases, creating a rebuttable presumption that the defendant acted in self-defense. It defines battered spouse syndrome and violent assault, and requires expert testimony to establish the syndrome. The bill takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
2
RR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Jan 13

House

Introduced and read first time

Jan 13

House

Referred to Committee on Judiciary

Dec 16, 2025

Prefiled