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Court Records Data and Statistics

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Learn how any member of the public can submit a request for large volumes of court records or compiled information from court records that is publicly accessible but not already available in an existing report.

Court Records Data and Statistics

Any member of the public may request large volumes of court records or compiled information from court records that is publicly accessible but not already available in an existing report. 

The Unified Judicial System may compile and provide the information if it determines, in its discretion, that providing the information meets criteria established by the Supreme Court, that the resources are available to compile the information, and that it is an appropriate use of public resources. The State Court Administrator's Office will make the initial determination as to whether to provide the compiled information. 

See SDCL 15-15A Unified Judicial System Court Records Rule

Data Request Purposes

Compiled information that includes information to which public access has been restricted may be requested by any member of the public only for scholarly, journalistic, political, governmental, research, evaluation or statistical purposes.

Submitting a Request

The request shall:

  1. Identify what information is sought.
  2. Describe the purpose for requesting the information and explain how the information will benefit the public interest or public education.
  3. Explain provisions for the secure protection of any information requested to which public access is restricted or prohibited.

Granting Requests

The Unified Judicial System may grant the request and compile the information if it determines that doing so meets criteria established by the Supreme Court, is consistent with the purposes of the access rules, that the resources are available to compile the information, and that it is an appropriate use of public resources.

If the request is granted, the Supreme Court may require the requestor to sign a declaration that:

  1. The data will not be sold or otherwise distributed directly or indirectly, to third parties, except for journalistic purposes.
  2. The information will not be used directly or indirectly to sell a product or service to an individual or the general public, except for journalistic purposes.
  3. There will be no copying or duplication of information or data provided other than for the stated scholarly, journalistic, political, governmental, research, evaluation or statistical purpose.

The Supreme Court may make such additional orders as may be needed to protect information to which access has been restricted or prohibited.

Fees

The Unified Judicial System may charge a fee for access to and copies of court records in electronic form, for remote access or compiled information. 

The fee shall be reasonable and may include costs for labor, materials and supplies. Fees for record searches are set forth in SDCL 16-2-29.5. Some entities, and other entities under certain conditions, are exempt from paying a record search fee pursuant to SDCL 16-2-29. Copying and certification fees shall be charged as determined by statute or Supreme Court Rule.

Court Records Data and Statistical Request Form

This form is to be used to request compiled or bulk court records data or statistics from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System pursuant to SDCL Chapter 15-15A.

1. Requester Information
2. Data Request
Describe the information you are seeking and include citations to any relevant statutes.
For efficient processing, please request the date range of the information you are requesting by whole calendar month whenever possible. Example: April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. If a partial month or specific date range is necessary for your research, you may enter exact dates.
Geographic Scope Select if you are requesting statewide information or information for a specific circuit or county(s).
Indicate the circuit or county(s) for which you are requesting information.
3. Purpose and Public Benefit
Please describe the purpose of your request. Providing this explanation is recommended as it may help us process your request.
4. Fees and Cost Estimate

Depending on staff time, materials, supplies and technical work required to compile the requested data, a fee may apply. If your request may result in a fee, you will be provided a cost estimate before the Unified Judicial System begins work. 

5. Requestor Acknowledgement

Please check each box to acknowledge and agree to the following conditions:

I understand that submission of this request does not guarantee that the requested information will be provided.

The Unified Judicial System will evaluate the request under applicable law and court rules, the availability of resources, and whether the request is an appropriate use of public resources. 

Please type your name below to serve as your signature on this form.

Court Records Data/Statistics Related Information

Court Records Search

Learn about the ways that South Dakota offers individuals and agencies access to court case information and court records for criminal and civil matters.

Public Information

The South Dakota Unified Judicial System's Public Information Office works with the public, media and other interested entities to provide information about South Dakota courts.

State Court Administrator's Office

Learn how the State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services to South Dakota's courts and find information about each division.