S.C. Code Ann. § 39-3-320

Whenever the Attorney General has determined to commence an action or proceeding under any law relating to the prohibition or prevention of trusts, combinations or monopolies or against any corporation, foreign or domestic, for any violation of any law, he may present to any justice of the Supreme Court or any circuit judge, either before or after beginning such action or proceeding, an application in writing for an order directing the persons mentioned in the application to appear before a justice of the Supreme Court, a circuit judge or a referee designated in such order and answer such questions as may be put to them or to any of them and produce such papers, documents and books concerning any alleged illegal contract, arrangement, agreement, trust, monopoly or combination or corporate acts in violation of law. The application must show upon information and belief, or otherwise, that the testimony of such person is material and necessary.