PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: January 7, 2025
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us, 605.773.2031
Judge Michael W. Day Reappointed as Presiding Judge of Fourth Judicial Circuit
PIERRE, S.D.—Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen announced today the reappointment of the Honorable Michael W. Day, Belle Fourche, as Presiding Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Judge Day’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 Fourth Judicial Circuit consists of Butte, Corson, Dewey, Harding, Lawrence, Meade, Perkins and Ziebach counties.
“Judge Day is a respected leader both inside and outside the courts, and his influence and commitment to justice and professionalism extends throughout the legal profession,” said Chief Justice Jensen. “The Fourth Circuit is in good hands with Judge Day.”
Judge Day received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota in 1980 and his juris doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1983. He worked in private law practice from 1983 to 2013 when he was appointed a circuit court judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. He has served as presiding judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit since 2015.
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For a photo of Judge Day, 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.