Serving South Dakota’s People & Courts
The Unified Judicial System (UJS) is dedicated to providing a fair, impartial and accessible court system that upholds the rule of law and is worthy of the public’s trust and confidence. Whether you need court resources, legal guidance or case information, we provide the support and tools to navigate South Dakota’s judicial system.
Proposed Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuit Merger
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) State Court Administrator’s Office formally proposed a rule to the South Dakota Supreme Court that would merge the Fourth Judicial Circuit and Seventh Judicial Circuit. The proposed rule will be considered on Nov. 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. CST in the Supreme Court Courtroom at the State Capitol in Pierre. Learn about the proposal, what it would—and would not—change, and how to provide public input.
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Locate Your Circuit & Courts
Trying to find information on your circuit court or not sure what circuit you're in? Use our court finder to search for contacts, programs and services in your circuit by city, county or circuit.
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Our goal at the South Dakota Unified Judicial System is to help you navigate the courts and legal system in South Dakota. Find information, forms and more based on who you are and what you're looking for.
South Dakota Supreme Court
The South Dakota Supreme Court is the highest court in the state. Access opinions, judiciary messages, summary dispositions details on the current justices.
Recent Press Releases & News
Stay informed with the most recent press releases about and news from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System. Our latest press releases keep the public, jurors, attorneys and legal professionals up to date on important developments.
UJS News Feature:
UJS' FY 2026 Annual Report encompasses the work of the Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts and the State Court Administrator’s Office from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. It includes a year in review of the state court system, judicial highlights, Supreme Court and circuit court statistics, and information about the State Court Administrator’s Office.
Gov. Rhoden Appoints Kellen Willert as Fourth Circuit Judge
Gov. Larry Rhoden on Oct. 8, 2026, announced the appointment of Kellen B. Willert as a circuit judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, a vacancy created by the departure of Judge John Fitzgerald.
Organizations Partner to Train on Child Abuse Prevention on October 8
With more than 400 South Dakotans attending, the 26th Annual Community Response to Child Abuse Conference takes place on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
Supreme Court to Consider Rule Proposal to Merge Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) State Court Administrator’s Office has formally proposed a rule to the South Dakota Supreme Court that would merge the Fourth Judicial Circuit and Seventh Judicial Circuit.