UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
Commission on Parenting Time Guidelines to Meet on January 30
The South Dakota Supreme Court’s Commission on Parenting Time Guidelines will meet on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, 3-3:30 p.m. CST virtually via Zoom.
South Dakota Chief Justice on State Courts’ Challenges, Public Service and Rural Access
Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen appeared on the podcast Talk Justice and spoke about his path to South Dakota’s Supreme Court, the national Conference of Chief Justices, efforts to promote public interest law, access to justice initiatives and the challenges facing state courts.
Law School Program Offers Pathway to Public Service
The Public Service Pathways Program helps match students with agencies across the state, often where need for new lawyers is highest.
South Dakota Drug Court Advisory Council to Meet on January 27
The South Dakota Drug Court Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, 3-4:30 p.m. CST in Conference Room B20 in the State Capitol, Pierre, and virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Pennington County DUI Court to Hold Graduation on January 28
Pennington County DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at 10 a.m. MST in Courtroom C8 (first floor) of the Pennington County Courthouse at 315 St. Joseph St. in Rapid City.
Fourth Circuit Treatment Courts to Hold Graduations in January
Fourth Circuit DUI Court and Northern Hills Drug Court will hold two graduation ceremonies in January. Family, friends and members of the public are invited to attend the events.
Commission on Indigent Legal Services to Meet on January 21
The South Dakota Commission on Indigent Legal Services will meet virtually on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. CST.
2026 State of the Judiciary Message Posted on UJS Website
On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen delivered the 2026 State of the Judiciary.
Yankton County Drug & DUI Court to Hold Graduation on January 21
Yankton County Drug & DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CST in Courtroom A on the second floor of the Yankton County Safety Center, 410 Walnut St., Yankton.
Pennington County Mental Health Court to Hold Graduation on January 20
Pennington County Mental Health Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. MST in Courtroom C5 (third floor) of the Pennington County Courthouse at 315 St. Joseph St. in Rapid City.