UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
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.
Sixth Circuit Treatment Court Program Leaves Graduates Feeling Better About Themselves and About Living Sober
Four more people have successfully completed or nearly completed the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s Drug and DUI Treatment Court program.
May Is National Treatment Court Month
South Dakota's 17 treatment courts are proud to join more than 4,000 treatment courts across the country to celebrate leading people out of the justice system and into long-term recovery!