UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
New Collaboration Brings Narcan, Street Medicine, Peer Support Services to Treatment Courts
In a move to strengthen recovery outcomes and save lives, a new initiative has been launched to embed street medicine services, harm reduction supplies and peer support into the fabric of South Dakota’s treatment court system.
Jean Hutson Selected as Circuit Court Administrator for Fifth Judicial Circuit
Edmunds County Clerk of Court Jean Hutson has been selected as the new circuit court administrator for the Fifth Judicial Circuit in Aberdeen.
South Dakota Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Commission to Hold Annual Meeting on May 21
The South Dakota Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Commission will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT, virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Commission on Indigent Legal Services to Meet on May 19
The South Dakota Commission on Indigent Legal Services will meet virtually on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. CDT.
South Dakota Treatment Courts Hosting Special Events to Celebrate National Treatment Court Month
Treatment courts across South Dakota are holding special events in May and June to celebrate National Treatment Court Month.
May Is National Treatment Court Month
South Dakota's 17 treatment courts are proud to join more than 4,000 treatment courts across the country to celebrate leading people out of the justice system and into long-term recovery!
Nine USD Law School Students Selected for Public Service Pathway Bar Admission Pilot Program
Nine University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law students have been selected to take part in a new public service pathway bar admission pilot program.
Correction to Press Release About South Dakota CASA Funding and Federal Cuts
South Dakota Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) funding is not impacted by federal cuts.
Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen Appoints Judge Patrick T. Pardy as Presiding Judge of Third Judicial Circuit
South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has appointed the Honorable Patrick T. Pardy as new presiding judge for the Third Judicial Circuit.
Gov. Rhoden Appoints David Wheeler to Third Judicial Circuit Court
On April 25, Gov. Larry Rhoden announced that he appointed David Wheeler to be a circuit judge in the Third Judicial Circuit, a vacancy that will be open upon the retirement of Presiding Judge Gregory J. Stoltenburg.