Traveling Term of Court

Traveling term of court is part of the Court's strategic priority of building public trust and confidence in the courts through transparency, communication, education and community engagement.

The South Dakota Supreme Court travels throughout the state twice a year to hear oral arguments at public institutions. This gives the citizens of South Dakota the opportunity to see and hear for themselves how the Supreme Court operates. Area high school government classes are also invited to attend. Cases are selected to demonstrate the variety of legal arguments that face the court system. Justices spend time after oral arguments talking to students about the appellate process and career opportunities as lawyers.

Augustana University: March 18-19, 2026

Hamre Recital Hall, Fryxell Humanities Center
2120 S. Grange Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D.
Wednesday and Thursday, March 18 and 19, 2026

South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen invites the public to attend the Court’s March Term of Court at Augustana University in Sioux Falls on March 18-19, 2026. View school invitation letter.

Judicial Primer, 8:30 a.m.: Prior to court both days, Second Judicial Circuit Judge Jon C. Sogn and State Court Administrator Greg Sattizahn will provide a brief summary of South Dakota’s court system and explain what attendees will see that day in the court process, who is involved in the cases, and what happens after oral arguments are heard.
Oral Arguments, 9 a.m. CDT: The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in three cases the morning of Wednesday, March 18, and three cases the morning of Thursday, March 19. Listen live to oral arguments.
Judicial Q&A, 11:15 a.m.: Following oral arguments both days, high school students, college students and members of the public can ask questions of the Supreme Court Justices.

Read the press release.

Term of Court Booklet
The Term of Court Booklet contains a schedule of the cases to be heard, a synopsis of each case, biographical information about the Supreme Court Justices and a short summary of appellate procedure. View March 2026 Term of Court Booklet.

Know Before You Go
Proper courtroom protocol assures that the lawyers presenting arguments before the Supreme Court will not be unduly distracted and that respect for the judiciary is maintained. View Supreme Court Know Before You Go.

Courtroom Protocol Do's

Remove caps/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.

Courtroom Protocol Do Not's

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.