Arnold Goodstein
Arnold Goodstein | |
|---|---|
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office 1971–1973 | |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate | |
| In office 1975-1979 | |
| In office 1969–1970 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Arnold Samuel Goodstein April 17, 1944 Florence, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Diane Goodstein |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Davidson College University of South Carolina |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Battles/wars | |
Arnold Samuel Goodstein (born April 17, 1944) is an American lawyer, veteran, and former politician in South Carolina. He served in the state legislature. He lives in Charleston.
Early life, education and career
Goodstein was born in Florence, South Carolina. Melton A. Goodstein and Carolyn F. Heyman Goodstein were his parents. He lived in North Charleston and attended North Charleston High School. He graduated from Davidson College and received his law degree from the University of South Carolina. He was a partner at the law firm Goodstein & Jennings.
He was part of ROTC, served in Vietnam and received two bronze stars, and was a member of the South Carolina National Guard.[1]
Political career
Goodstein served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1971 to 1973 and the South Carolina Senate in 1969 and 1970 and again from 1975 to 1979.
Personal life
Goodstein married Cynthia Lovay and they had a daughter.[1] He is currently married to circuit court judge Diane Goodstein.[2][3]
House fire
On October 5, 2025, Goodstein, his son, and another family member were injured in a fire at his Edisto Island home. His wife was not injured.[4] The fire is being investigated by state law enforcement as Judge Goodstein and the family was subject to death threats for years including threats after a September 2025 ruling she issued for a temporary injunction against the Trump administration's attempt to access the state's voter files.[5][6] The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chief said there was no evidence of arson.[7]
References
- ^ a b "Senator Arnold Samuel Goodstein". South Carolina Legislature Online.
- ^ McDermott, John (February 21, 2011). "Former builder Goodstein given 'fresh start' after bankruptcy discharge". The Post and Courier. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ McDermott, John (March 14, 2013). "Judge, husband to pay $500K". The Post and Courier. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ Helmore, Edward (October 6, 2025). "Fire engulfs home of South Carolina judge who had received death threats". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077.
- ^ Jeyaretnam, Miranda (October 6, 2025). "House of South Carolina Judge Criticized by Trump Administration Burns Down". Time. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ Cota, Kailey; Hamilton, Scott (October 5, 2025). "Video shows blaze that injured 3 at Edisto Island home of SC judge, former SC senator". The Post and Courier. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ Lard, Skylar (October 6, 2025). "SLED: 'No evidence' of arson at destroyed home of SC judge, former legislator". South Carolina Daily Gazette. Retrieved October 8, 2025.