Who is Judge Clifton Newman?

SOUTH Carolina Judge Clifton B. Newman has served the Circuit Court for over two decades.

Newman is best known for presiding over the recent Alex Murdaugh case that has captivated the nation.

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Who is Judge Clifton Newman?

Clifton B. Newman was born on November 7, 1951 in Kingstree, South Carolina.

According to his court biography, the 71-year-old graduated from the Williamsburg County Training School in 1969 as the best in his class.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University and his Juris Doctor’s degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1976.

In May 2000, after 24 years as a practicing attorney and 17 years as an associate attorney, Newman was elected a District Court Judge by the South Carolina General Assembly.

“I enjoy the responsibility, the great responsibility,” he told the American Bar Association in 2017.

“It’s also a challenge to carry the weight of the justice system on your shoulders and try to deliver justice as it should be delivered.”

Is Judge Clifton Newman Married?

Judge Clifton Newman is married to Patricia Blanton.

The couple have four children together: Corwyn, Jocelyn, Kellee and Brian DeQuincey.

Their daughter, Jocelyn, is a district court judge like her father.

According to his biography, Newman enjoys travelling, spectator sports, going to church, restoring homes and spending time in the countryside.

What did he say to Alex Murdaugh during his sentencing?

On March 3, 2023, Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without parole for the June 2021 murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul.

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On Friday, during the sentencing hearing, Newman – who is currently serving his fourth and final term as a South Carolina Circuit Court judge – addressed Murdaugh and said:

“I know you need to see Paul and Maggie at night when you’re trying to sleep. I’m sure they’ll come visit you.”

However, after the 54-year-old again claimed he was innocent, Newman said: “It couldn’t have been you. It could have been the monster you become. If you take 20, 40, 50, 60 opioid pills, maybe you become a different person.”