UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
People Charged with Crimes Find Hope in County Diversion Programs
"It works if you want it": People charged with crimes find hope in county diversion programs. Limited local adoption fuels discussion about pursuing state funding.
Pennington County Veterans Court Honors Latest Graduates in Public Ceremony
Established in 2016, Pennington County Veterans Court provides a crucial sentencing alternative for justice-involved veterans. A recent graduation ceremony highlights a decade of restorative justice and treatment for South Dakota veterans.
Mental Health Court Offers Path Forward for Participants
For some people, entering the criminal justice system can become a cycle that is difficult to break. Learn how Second Circuit Mental Health Court is helping people in the justice system get treatment for mental illness and substance use instead of just facing punishment.
Brookings County Drug & DUI Court to Hold Graduation on August 20
Brookings County Drug & DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. CDT in Courtroom A (third floor) of the Brookings County Courthouse, 314 Sixth Ave., Brookings.
Yankton County Drug & DUI Court to Hold Graduation on July 29
Yankton County Drug & DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CDT in Courtroom A on the second floor of the Yankton County Safety Center, 410 Walnut St., Yankton.
More People are Being Summoned for Jury Duty in Second Judicial Circuit
The Second Judicial Circuit is experiencing a higher need for jurors due to the number of trials. The UJS provides support and instruction to those selected for jury service.
Order in the Recital Hall: Augustana to Host South Dakota Supreme Court
For the first time in recent history, the South Dakota Supreme Court will hold hearings open to the public at Augustana. On March 18 and 19, the court will come to hear oral arguments for six cases inside Hamre Hall.
State Bar Foundation Receives Grant to Enhance Legal Services in Rural Areas
South Dakota Bar Foundation recently received $63,222.50 from South Dakota Community Foundation’s Beyond Idea Grant (BIG) program to develop and test a virtual platform to improve retention of rural attorneys, support student exploration of justice careers, and create a connected system of training, mentoring and workforce support that strengthens rural communities.
Construction Progressing on New Turner County Courthouse
Turner County is turning a new leaf in its judicial and administrative history...as construction on the new courthouse is close to finishing.
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.