The South Dakota Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and makes final decisions on state law. The Court is comprised of five justices who are entrusted to deliver the final judicial authority on all matters involving the legal and judicial system of South Dakota.
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.