UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
Expanding Access to South Dakota's Legal Services
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen recaps his annual address and discusses the changes he wants for indigent legal defense.
Chief justice: Prioritize Public Defense, Problem Solving Courts and Help for Young Adults
South Dakota should embrace the role of public defenders, work to guide young adults out of trouble’s way, try harder to protect judges from danger and support problem-solving alternative courts, South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen told lawmakers on Wednesday at the Capitol in Pierre.
Chief Justice Jensen to Present 2024 State of the Judiciary
On Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen will deliver the 2024 State of the Judiciary.
Oral Argument on Gov. Noem’s Request for an Advisory Opinion
The South Dakota Supreme Court has ordered oral argument on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, for case number 30488, the request of Gov. Kristi Noem for an advisory opinion regarding the interpretation of a provision of Article III Section 12 of the South Dakota Constitution.
Supreme Court Opinion Release Day Delayed to Friday
The South Dakota Supreme Court’s regular Thursday opinion release day will be delayed to Friday because of the two-day Christmas holiday.
Supreme Court to Hear Oral Argument on Gov. Noem's Request for an Advisory Opinion
The South Dakota Supreme Court has set oral argument on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, for Gov. Kristi Noem’s request for an advisory opinion regarding the interpretation of a provision of Article III Section 12 of the South Dakota Constitution.
Steering Committee Issues Bar Admissions Final Report and Recommendations to Supreme Court
A steering committee appointed to study the bar admissions process in South Dakota has issued its final report and recommendations to the South Dakota Supreme Court.
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice to Attend Private Funeral Service for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen will attend a funeral service for retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Justice O’Connor, the first female U.S. Supreme Court justice, died on Dec. 1, 2023, at the age of 93 in Phoenix.
Barriers for Emerging Adults Task Force Issues Final Report
The Barriers for Emerging Adults Task Force created by HB 1063 during the 2023 South Dakota Legislative Session has issued its Final Report and Recommendations to the Governor, Chief Justice and South Dakota Legislature.
Barriers for Emerging Adults Task Force to Meet Nov. 2, 2023
The Barriers for Emerging Adults Task Force created by HB 1063 during the 2023 South Dakota Legislative Session will meet on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, 2-3 p.m. CDT virtually via Zoom.