Media Coverage of South Dakota Courts
Expanded media coverage of trial court proceedings in South Dakota’s circuit courts and magistrate courts is
allowed under SDCL 16-20.
Under these rules, expanded media coverage (audio, video and still photos) is allowed when the parties of the
case and the court all agree that such coverage should be permitted. In addition, audio coverage of proceedings
is allowed when the court determines it is appropriate, even if all parties have not consented to expanded media coverage.
Certain proceedings such as juvenile hearings and portions of other proceedings closed by state law are not subject to
expanded media coverage. Expanded media coverage is also subject to modification by the court at any time.
Expanded media coverage must be arranged with the circuit court administrator, who serves as the media coordinator,
for the circuit in which the judicial proceeding is taking place. To contact a circuit court administrator to request
expanded media coverage, see the list of circuit courts.
Expanded media coverage is also allowed during sessions of the South Dakota Supreme Court as defined in SDCL 15-24.
A media pool is used for Supreme Court media coverage and coordinated through the media coordinator.
The media coordinator for the Supreme Court is Dexter Gronseth, Sioux Falls. For media pool information, contact Dexter at 605-360-4711 or dgronseth@keloland.com.
Consent must be in writing or on the record and made at least one week in advance of the proceeding.
- The courtroom may not be used to conduct interviews before or after the judicial proceedings. Coverage in chambers or in the jury room is prohibited.
- Media members are not permitted to photograph or record jurors or potential jurors in any manner at any time or during the jury selection process.
- Coverage cannot focus on or display materials on counsel table, judge’s bench or the clerk’s table.
- Media coverage cannot capture conferences between attorneys and clients or sidebars between the court and counsel.
- There shall be no recording or broadcasting in the courtroom during recess or any other time when the judge is not present.
- Limit of one video camera in the courtroom to be operated by one camera person.
- Limit of one still camera photographer in the courtroom with two camera bodies.
- Equipment shall have no distracting light or sound and cannot bear media insignia. Existing courtroom equipment may not be modified without court approval.
- The court will determine designated equipment locations.
- All equipment must be set up 15 minutes in advance of the proceeding.
- Media representatives must follow conduct and attire as defined in SDCL 15-24-9.
- The media is responsible for resolving its own disputes, arranging pooling and making sure they comply with the court’s procedures.
- No coverage is admissible as evidence at a later proceeding unless ordered by the court.
Court Calendars
• Find a Court Date
• Supreme Court Calendar
For additional media inquiries, contact Alisa Bousa, UJS Public Information Officer, at 605-773-2031 or Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us.