UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
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.
Commission on Parenting Time Guidelines to Meet on January 30
The South Dakota Supreme Court’s Commission on Parenting Time Guidelines will meet on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, 3-3:30 p.m. CST virtually via Zoom.
South Dakota Chief Justice on State Courts’ Challenges, Public Service and Rural Access
Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen appeared on the podcast Talk Justice and spoke about his path to South Dakota’s Supreme Court, the national Conference of Chief Justices, efforts to promote public interest law, access to justice initiatives and the challenges facing state courts.
2026 State of the Judiciary Message Posted on UJS Website
On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen delivered the 2026 State of the Judiciary.
Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen to Present State of the Judiciary on January 14
On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen will deliver the 2026 State of the Judiciary.
Supreme Court Courtroom Now Open for Public Viewing
Visitors to the State Capitol in Pierre are now able to step inside and view the South Dakota Supreme Court Courtroom.
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.
Commission on Parenting Time Guidelines to Meet on November 12
The South Dakota Supreme Court’s Commission on Parenting Time Guidelines will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, 4-5 p.m. CST virtually via Zoom.