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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.

The South Dakota Supreme Court is comprised of the Chief Justice, who is the administrative head of the Unified Judicial System, and four justices who are entrusted to deliver the final judicial authority on all matters involving the legal and judicial system of South Dakota.

Supreme Court justices are appointed by the Governor from a list of nominees selected by the South Dakota Judicial Qualifications Commission. Justices must be licensed to practice law in South Dakota and must be voting residents of the district from which they are appointed at the time they take office. In South Dakota, there are five Supreme Court Districts. 

The Supreme Court Districts are served by the following Justices:

  • First Supreme Court District - The Honorable Justice Janine M. Kern
  • Second Supreme Court District - The Honorable Justice Mark E. Salter
  • Third Supreme Court District - The Honorable Patricia J. DeVaney
  • Fourth Supreme Court District - The Honorable Steven R. Jensen
  • Fifth Supreme Court District - The Honorable Scott P. Myren

Justices face a nonpolitical retention election three years after appointment and every eight years after that. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is elected by and from among the five justices to serve a four-year term, and may be re-elected to additional terms. The Chief Justice administers the state’s unified court system.

Supreme Court Appointment Districts

One justice is selected from each of five geographic appointment districts.

Supreme Court Duties & Responsibilities

  • Original jurisdiction in cases involving interests of the state.
  • Issues original and remedial writs.
  • Renders advisory opinions to the Governor on issues involving executive power.
  • Appellate jurisdiction over circuit court decisions.
  • Rule-making authority over court practice and procedure.
  • Administrative leadership for the legal and judicial system.
  • Controls admissions to and disciplines members of the State Bar.

Supreme Court Structure Related Topics

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.

Judicial Qualifications Commission

South Dakota judges are governed by high standards of conduct set forth in the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) receives, investigates and evaluates allegations of judicial misconduct.

Filing an Appeal

Find out how a case can be appealed to the South Dakota Supreme Court, the appeal process and helpful documents in filing an appeal.