Site navigation

Courtroom Protocol

Learn what you can and cannot do when attending South Dakota Supreme Court sessions, which are open to the public.

South Dakota Supreme Court sessions are open to the public. The Court holds regular term of court in the Supreme Court Courtroom on the second floor of the State Capitol in Pierre.

Twice a year, the Supreme Court travels throughout the state to hear oral arguments at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in Vermillion and another public institution. This gives the citizens of South Dakota the opportunity to see and hear for themselves firsthand how the Supreme Court operates.

Following are lists of do’s and do not’s when attending a Supreme Court session. Cooperation in observing proper courtroom protocol will assure that the attorneys presenting argument before the Court will not be unduly distracted and that the proper respect for the judiciary will be maintained. 

DO

  • Remove caps or hats before entering the courtroom.
  • Enter the courtroom prior to the commencement of an argument.
  • Stand when the justices enter and leave the courtroom.
  • Listen attentively.
  • Turn cell phones off before entering the courtroom.
  • Expect to go through security.

DO NOT

  • Bring food, drinks, cameras or recording equipment into the courtroom.
  • Enter or leave the courtroom during the course of an argument.
  • Chew gum or create any distraction.
  • Engage in any conversation once an argument begins.

Courtroom Protocol Related Topics

Supreme Court Structure

Learn how the five justices are selected to serve on the South Dakota Supreme Court, the geographic districts, and the Court's duties and responsibilities.

Understanding the Courts

Topics in this section provide an overview of the court system in South Dakota—what the courts job is, how the courts work, and how the courts serve the public and society.

A-Z Index

A structured, quick alphabetical listing of topics, terms, and/or subjects covered on the Unified Judicial System website.