UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
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.
Investiture to be Held for Supreme Court Justice Robert Gusinsky
A ceremonial investiture will be held for South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Robert Gusinsky on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Rapid City.
Justice's Retirement a Page in a Trail-Blazing Era
Feature story about South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Janine M. Kern's 40 years of public service and retirement from the bench.
Treatment Courts Help Reduce South Dakota's Prison Population
Feature story about the success of South Dakota's treatment courts and that just 27% commit another felony offense within five years of their involvement with the program.
'Real-Life Science Experiment' Fills Critical Legal Gaps in Rural SD
When a tornado ripped through Burke in 2019, the town’s only attorney was crucial to getting two families who lost their homes a new place to live through the Governor's House Program.
Commission to Hold Parenting Time Guidelines Public Hearing in Sioux Falls on August 25
The South Dakota Supreme Court’s Commission on Parenting Time Guidelines will hold a public hearing in Sioux Falls on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, 6-8 p.m. CDT, to gather input on potential changes to the standard parenting time guidelines.
Two Local Court Advocacy Programs for Children Are Revived With Legislative Funding
Three years after lawmakers put $1 million toward advocacy efforts for children in the court system statewide, two revived nonprofits are starting to support children again.