PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: June 16, 2023
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer
Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us | 605.773.2031
New Magistrate Judge Appointed in Second Judicial Circuit
PIERRE, S.D.— Second Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge Robin J. Houwman is pleased to announce that the South Dakota Supreme Court approved her proposed appointment of Attorney Jonathan Leddige as Magistrate Judge for the Second Judicial Circuit, which covers Lincoln and Minnehaha counties.
Leddige was born and raised on his family’s farm outside of Reynolds, N.D. He has resided in Sioux Falls since 2011. Leddige graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in political science. He attended law school at the University of North Dakota School of Law and graduated with distinction in 2011.
For the past nine years, Leddige has been a public defender at the Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office. In 2022, Leddige was an adjunct professor at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law teaching the criminal defense practicum. His prior legal experience also includes work as a public defender for Hennepin County, Minnesota, as well as experience practicing immigration law.
Judge Leddige will take the bench on Monday, July 10, 2023, with a formal swearingin ceremony to follow sometime thereafter at the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls.
Leddige will fill a newly created seat for the Second Judicial Circuit. The South Dakota Supreme Court held a rules hearing and issued an order on June 15, 2023, to amend SDCL 16-12B-1.1 to increase the number of full-time magistrate judges in the Second Judicial Circuit from four to five.
For further information, contact Court Administration, Second Judicial Circuit, at 605-367-5920.
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About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.