UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
Second Circuit Treatment Courts to Hold Graduations in May
Second Circuit Treatment Courts will hold three upcoming graduations in observance of National Treatment Court Month.
South Dakota Treatment Courts Hosting Special Events to Celebrate 2026 National Treatment Court Month
May is National Treatment Court Month and the perfect time to share the many ways treatment courts are making a positive impact on their communities.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Warns Public of Court Notice Scam
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) is alerting the public to a recent scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming to be from a state or municipal court regarding unpaid traffic violations.
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.
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.