PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: January 7, 2025
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us, 605.773.2031
Judge Gregg C. Magera Reappointed as Presiding Judge of Fifth Judicial Circuit
PIERRE, S.D.—Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen announced today the reappointment of the Honorable Gregg C. Magera, Aberdeen, as Presiding Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Judge Magera’s reappointment follows the reselection of Jensen as Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Pursuant to Article V, Section 11 of the South Dakota Constitution, presiding judges are appointed by the chief justice and serve at the chief justice’s pleasure. Presiding judges are administrative heads of their respective circuits. The Fifth Judicial Circuit consists of Brown, Campbell, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Marshall, McPherson, Roberts, Spink and Walworth counties.
“Judge Magera models judicial leadership and has a deep commitment to professionalism and the fair administration of justice,” said Chief Justice Jensen. “His guidance and dedication are invaluable to ensuring our courts meet the needs of the people in the Fifth Judicial Circuit.”
Judge Magera received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota in 1987 and his juris doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1990. He worked as a law clerk for the Fifth Judicial Circuit from 1990 to 1991, as an attorney in private practice and partner from 1991 to 2019, and a magistrate judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit from 2019 to 2021. Judge Magera was appointed a circuit court judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit in 2021.
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For a photo of Judge Magera, click here.
About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.