Madam Chief Justice

"Chief Justice Toal has led our state's highest court with distinction and determination. Early in her tenure, she sought to modernize South Carolina's antiquated court system . . . . Employing cutting-edge technologies, she created an internet-based system. . . .widely regarded as a national model."—Former U.S. Senator Ernest F. "Fritz" Hollings

"Jean Toal translated her high school and college involvements in the 1960s desegregation movement into a lifelong pursuit of liberty and justice for all South Carolinians. Working shoulder to shoulder with her has provided me some unique and blessed experiences."—U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn

"The editors have assembled eloquent voices to detail the trailblazing career of this remarkable South Carolina leader. Jean Toal's passion for the law as a lawyer, legislator, and judge paved the way for a modern South Carolina."—Harris Pastides, president, University of South Carolina

"Chief Justice Toal is one of South Carolina's most important women. A lifelong pro-life Democrat, she fits no Southern stereotype or political template."—Kathleen Parker, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer for the Washington Post

"Madam Chief Justice celebrates a towering and historic life. Jean Toal's wisdom, courage, and perseverance are captured masterfully in this book. It is a must-read for all who care for the rule of law and for the pioneers who have devoted their lives to its service."—Wallace B. Jefferson, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas (ret.)

"Madam Chief Justice is a remarkable book chronicling a remarkable life. It captures in exquisite and elegant detail the trailblazing leadership of one of the seminal figures in the history of South Carolina. This volume is a scintillating story of the legal and political history of South Carolina of the last 50 years, a history that cannot be told without having as a centerpiece the life and times of the extraordinary and —incomparable Jean Hoefer Toal."—William Hubbard, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

"This biography of Chief Justice Toal is not only informative and entertaining, it contains a rather definitive history of South Carolina during the period of her public life."—Alex Sanders, president emeritus, College of Charleston

"This comprehensive presentation of the life and career of Chief Justice Toal details her impact on modern government, the court system, and the legal profession. As women in South Carolina have achieved positions of leadership as federal judges, Supreme Court justices, and trial judges at every level, we know that we all stand on the shoulders of Jean Hoefer Toal."—Michele Childs, U.S. District Court Judge