2026 State of the Judiciary Message Posted on UJS Website

MEDIA NOTICE
For Immediate Release: Jan. 14, 2026
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us, 605.773.2031

2026 State of the Judiciary Message Posted on UJS Website

PIERRE, S.D.— On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen delivered the 2026 State of the Judiciary. 

Chief Justice Jensen discussed the work of the courts to ensure our nation’s liberties, including the Unified Judicial System’s (UJS’) strategic plan, indigent legal defense, probation and treatment courts, judicial security and a strong judicial workforce.

A pdf of the Chief Justice’s message has been posted on the  UJS website here. View past State of the Judiciary messages here. For questions, contact UJS Public Information Officer Alisa Bousa at Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us or 605.773.2031.

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About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.