UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
Second Circuit to Hold Two Treatment Court Graduations in Sioux Falls
Second Circuit Treatment Courts will hold two graduation ceremonies in Sioux Falls. Treatment court graduation is an important milestone in a participant’s journey toward building a life of responsibility and accountability.
Minnehaha County Law Library Services, Resources Available to the Public
Minnehaha County last year agreed to remodel the courthouse's law library space into a new courtroom/hearing room (now called 4E), and UJS committed to maintain Minnehaha County Law Library services and resources in other ways. All Minnehaha County Law Library services and resources have now been relocated and continue to be available to the public.
Amber D. Whittington Appointed a Magistrate Judge in the Second Judicial Circuit
The Unified Judicial System is pleased to announce that the South Dakota Supreme Court has appointed Amber D. Whittington as a magistrate judge for the Second Judicial Circuit.
Second Circuit DUI Court to Hold Graduation on November 25
Second Circuit DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. CST in Courtroom 5A of the Minnehaha County Courthouse, 425 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls.
Data Reflects Success of South Dakota’s Treatment Courts
Data from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) released during a Drug Court Advisory Council meeting on Oct. 14, 2025, highlights the success of the state’s treatment courts since their beginning in 2008.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Issues FY2025 Annual Report
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) has issued its FY2025 Annual Report, which encompasses the work of the South Dakota Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts and the State Court Administrator’s Office between July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
Governor Rhoden Appoints Annie Hoffman as Second Circuit Judge
Gov. Larry Rhoden today announced the appointment of Annie Hoffman as a circuit judge in the Second Judicial Circuit, a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Douglas Hoffman.
Second Circuit DUI Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony on August 26
Second Circuit DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. CDT in Courtroom 3B of the Minnehaha County Courthouse, 425 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls.
Second Circuit Drug Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony on August 28
Second Circuit Drug Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. CDT in Courtroom 4B of the Minnehaha County Courthouse, 425 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls.
Supreme Court Rescinds Judicial Emergency in South Dakota
After being advised that all network systems are back up and operating, the South Dakota Supreme Court today issued an order rescinding a judicial emergency in South Dakota.