UJS Press Releases & News

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Recent News From UJS

Pennington County Mental Health Court’s Two Newest Graduates

Pennington County Mental Health Court held a graduation celebration Tuesday, July 9, to honor two of the program’s newest graduates.

Triumph Over Addiction

The days of "locking them up and throwing away the key" are long gone as the Justice system learns more about mental health, addiction, and rehabilitation.

Indigent Legal Services Committee Names Chair, Seeks Chief Defendant

Recent legislation has led to the development of a new state office – the Office of Indigent Legal Services.

South Dakota Courts Launch Live Interpreter Pilot Project in Clerks’ Offices

Non-English speaking South Dakotans in five counties are now able to talk with an interpreter over a video conferencing software when they’re seeking guidance and help from clerks at the courthouse.

Chief justice, law school dean guarded, hopeful about AI in justice system

Artificial intelligence (AI) could mean more efficient legal offices and lower bills for clients – provided human beings use the technology ethically.

People Without Lawyers are an Early Focus of New State Court Access Group

Three out of every five people who go to civil court in the U.S. do so without a lawyer.

South Dakota Supreme Court Convenes at Northern State

South Dakota Supreme Court Convenes at Northern State

James Valley Drug and DUI Court Celebrates Success

Last week the James Valley Drug and DUI Court hosted a commencement ceremony for two graduates.

Mental Health Court Offers a Chance for Rehabilitation

South Dakota's Mental Health Court will soon have a new graduating class.

Expanding Access to South Dakota's Legal Services

South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen recaps his annual address and discusses the changes he wants for indigent legal defense.