UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
Commission on Indigent Legal Services to Meet on March 25
The South Dakota Commission on Indigent Legal Services will meet virtually on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. CDT.
More People are Being Summoned for Jury Duty in Second Judicial Circuit
The Second Judicial Circuit is experiencing a higher need for jurors due to the number of trials. The UJS provides support and instruction to those selected for jury service.
South Dakota Supreme Court to Bring Court to Augustana University
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen invites the public to attend the Court’s March Term of Court at Augustana University in Sioux Falls on March 18-19, 2026.
Order in the Recital Hall: Augustana to Host South Dakota Supreme Court
For the first time in recent history, the South Dakota Supreme Court will hold hearings open to the public at Augustana. On March 18 and 19, the court will come to hear oral arguments for six cases inside Hamre Hall.
Second Circuit to Hold Two Treatment Court Graduations in Sioux Falls
Second Circuit Treatment Courts will hold two graduation ceremonies in Sioux Falls. Treatment court graduation is an important milestone in a participant’s journey toward building a life of responsibility and accountability.
Supreme Court Issues Advisory Opinion Concerning Lieutenant Governor’s Constitutional Authority to Cast Tie-Breaking Votes in the Senate
The South Dakota Supreme Court today issued an advisory opinion in the matter of the interpretation of the South Dakota Constitution and state law regarding the Lieutenant Governor’s power to vote on final passage of legislation in the case of a tie while serving as President of the Senate.
State Bar Foundation Receives Grant to Enhance Legal Services in Rural Areas
South Dakota Bar Foundation recently received $63,222.50 from South Dakota Community Foundation’s Beyond Idea Grant (BIG) program to develop and test a virtual platform to improve retention of rural attorneys, support student exploration of justice careers, and create a connected system of training, mentoring and workforce support that strengthens rural communities.
Pennington County to Hold Two Treatment Court Graduations
Pennington County Treatment Courts will hold two graduation ceremonies in February.
Construction Progressing on New Turner County Courthouse
Turner County is turning a new leaf in its judicial and administrative history...as construction on the new courthouse is close to finishing.
James Valley Drug & DUI Court to Hold Graduation on February 19
James Valley Drug & DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. CST in the second-floor courtroom of the Davison County Public Safety Building, 1015 S. Miller Ave., Mitchell.