There are two levels of courts in South Dakota: Supreme Court and circuit courts. In addition, magistrate courts operate under supervision of the circuit courts.
Circuit courts are the state’s trial courts and handle criminal and civil cases. Magistrate courts assist the circuit courts and handle misdemeanor criminal cases and minor civil cases.
The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and makes final decisions on state law. The Supreme Court most often serves as an appellate court and hears appeals of circuit court decisions. The Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction over certain types of proceedings, which means the matter is filed directly with the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court manages the statewide court system. South Dakota courts are organized into a unified judicial system. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized services for South Dakota’s courts.
