Learn about the judiciary's accomplishments, challenges and priorities for the year by viewing or reading the Chief Justice's annual State of the Judiciary message.
The State of the Judiciary is an annual address delivered by the Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court in January during the legislative session in Pierre. It provides an overview of the judiciary's accomplishments, challenges and priorities for the coming year. The address serves as an opportunity for the judiciary to communicate its role and needs to lawmakers and the public.
Watch the 2025 State of the Judiciary presented by South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen on Jan. 15, 2025. Previous State of the Judiciary videos are available via a playlist on the UJS YouTube Channel.
The UJS produces an annual State of the Judiciary booklet available as a PDF file.
Meet the South Dakota Supreme Court Justices and access Supreme Court resources, including opinions, term of court, published rules, hearings, summary dispositions and judiciary messages.
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.
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.