A person to whom notice is required may appear at the hearing, testify and, within the discretion of the court, present and cross-examine witnesses, and the court may receive the testimony of other persons. The court may hold the hearing in a suitable location in the State, without regard to whether the location is in the county of the court conducting the hearing, when the judge is satisfied that the health and welfare of the child concerned is best served by conducting the hearing in a location other than the court. The hearing may be conducted in an informal manner consistent with orderly procedure. The court shall follow the rules of evidence applicable to the probate courts in receiving evidence. The child or his legal guardian may have a free transcript of the record of the proceedings. HISTORY: 1991 Act No. 88, Section 1.
South Carolina Legal Code