UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
Supreme Court to Hold Rules Hearing on Proposed Public Service Pathway to Bar Admission Program
The South Dakota Supreme Court will hold a rules hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, 10 a.m. CST in the Supreme Court Courtroom in the State Capitol, Pierre, to consider adoption of rules for a proposed public service pathway to bar admission program.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Jensen Selected for a Second Term
The South Dakota Supreme Court is pleased to announce the Justices have selected Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen to a second term as Chief Justice of South Dakota’s highest court.
Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Former State Supreme Court Justice Robert Amundson
Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in honor of former South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Robert (Bob) Amundson.
South Dakota Adopts NextGen Bar Exam Beginning in July 2027
The South Dakota Supreme Court is announcing the adoption of the NextGen bar exam for those seeking admission to practice law in South Dakota beginning in July 2027.
UJS Mourns Passing of Retired Justice Robert A. Amundson
It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that the South Dakota Unified Judicial System announces the passing of retired Justice Robert A. Amundson, who served as a circuit court judge in the Second Judicial Circuit and later as a justice on the South Dakota Supreme Court from 1991 to 2002.
Former Justice Amundson has died at age 86
One of the more engaging justices of the modern South Dakota Supreme Court has passed away.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Issues FY2024 Annual Report
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System has issued its FY2024 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, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
Chief justice: No legislation on indigent defense in 2025
Come January, there likely won’t be any new legislative requests from the South Dakota Supreme Court regarding people who lack sufficient financial resources to hire their own lawyers when accused of crimes.
Supreme Court to Hold October Term of Court at University of South Dakota
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen invites the public to attend the Supreme Court’s October 2024 term of court on Oct. 1-2 at the University of South Dakota (USD) Knudson School of Law in Vermillion.
Commission on Indigent Legal Services to Meet on September 12, 2024
The South Dakota Commission on Indigent Legal Services will meet virtually on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. CDT.