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The South Dakota Supreme Court hearing oral arguments at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota.

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.

University of South Dakota: October 6-8, 2026

Knudson School of Law
414 E. Clark St., Vermillion, S.D.

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.