UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
South Dakota Treatment Courts Hosting Special Events to Celebrate 2026 National Treatment Court Month
May is National Treatment Court Month and the perfect time to share the many ways treatment courts are making a positive impact on their communities.
Governor Rhoden Appoints Magistrate Judge Callahan as Fourth Circuit Judge
Gov. Larry Rhoden announced the appointment of Magistrate Judge Chad Callahan as a circuit judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mike Day.
Pennington County Drug Court to Hold Graduation on April 29
Pennington County Drug Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 3 p.m. MDT in Courtroom C2 (third floor) of the Pennington County Courthouse at 315 St. Joseph St. in Rapid City.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Warns Public of Court Notice Scam
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) is alerting the public to a recent scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming to be from a state or municipal court regarding unpaid traffic violations.
Yankton County Drug & DUI Court to Hold Graduation on April 22
Yankton County Drug & DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CDT in Courtroom A on the second floor of the Yankton County Safety Center, 410 Walnut St., Yankton.
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.