South Dakota Supreme Court

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.

South Dakota Supreme Court Justices

SD Supreme Court Justice Jenson

Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen

Supreme Court Chief Justice

SD Supreme Court Justice Janine M. Kern

Justice Janine M. Kern

Supreme Court Justice

SD Supreme Court Justice Mark E. Salter

Justice Mark E. Salter

Supreme Court Justice

SD Supreme Court Justice Patricia J DeVaney

Justice Patricia J. DeVaney

Supreme Court Justice

SD Supreme Court Justice Scott Myren

Justice Scott P. Myren

Supreme Court Justice

2025 State of the Judiciary

Watch the 2025 State of the Judiciary presented by South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen on Jan. 15, 2025. The UJS also produces an annual State of the Judiciary booklet available as a PDF file. 

Judiciary Messages