UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
Supreme Court to Consider Rule Proposal to Merge Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) State Court Administrator’s Office has formally proposed a rule to the South Dakota Supreme Court that would merge the Fourth Judicial Circuit and Seventh Judicial Circuit.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Issues FY 2026 Annual Report
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) has issued its FY 2026 Annual Report, which encompasses the work of the South Dakota Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts and the State Court Administrator’s Office from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Public Invited to Observe the Supreme Court at the University of South Dakota in October
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen invites the public to attend the Supreme Court’s October 2026 Session on Oct. 7-8 at the University of South Dakota (USD) Knudson School of Law in Vermillion.
Unified Judicial System Wants to Hear from Court Users
As part of our ongoing work to build public trust and confidence in the courts through transparency, communication, education and community engagement, the South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) wants to hear from members of the public about their experiences with the state court system.
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen to Lead Two National Court Organizations
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has been named president of the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and chair of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) board of directors.
South Dakota Supreme Court Case Processing Sets New Standard
With the release of two opinions today, the South Dakota Supreme Court has resolved all cases considered during its court term year that began August 2025.
UJS Proposes Merger of Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) State Court Administrator’s Office has proposed to the South Dakota Supreme Court consideration of a merger of the administrative structures of the Fourth Judicial Circuit and Seventh Judicial Circuit.
South Dakota Supreme Court to Bring Court to Augustana University
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen invites the public to attend the Court’s March Term of Court at Augustana University in Sioux Falls on March 18-19, 2026.
Order in the Recital Hall: Augustana to Host South Dakota Supreme Court
For the first time in recent history, the South Dakota Supreme Court will hold hearings open to the public at Augustana. On March 18 and 19, the court will come to hear oral arguments for six cases inside Hamre Hall.
Supreme Court Issues Advisory Opinion Concerning Lieutenant Governor’s Constitutional Authority to Cast Tie-Breaking Votes in the Senate
The South Dakota Supreme Court today issued an advisory opinion in the matter of the interpretation of the South Dakota Constitution and state law regarding the Lieutenant Governor’s power to vote on final passage of legislation in the case of a tie while serving as President of the Senate.