South Dakota Recognizes Clerks and Deputy Clerks of Court Week
Gov. Larry Rhoden has proclaimed the week of Sept. 14, 2026, as Clerks and Deputy Clerks of Court Week in South Dakota, recognizing the important role these professionals play in the administration of justice and in serving the public.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 11, 2026
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, via email or 605.773.2031
South Dakota Recognizes Clerks and Deputy Clerks of Court Week
PIERRE, S.D.—Gov. Larry Rhoden has proclaimed the week of Sept. 14, 2026, as Clerks and Deputy Clerks of Court Week in South Dakota, recognizing the important role these professionals play in the administration of justice and in serving the public.
Across South Dakota, 201 Unified Judicial System employees work in clerk of court offices, serving as an important connection between the courts and the people and communities they serve.
Clerks and deputy clerks are responsible for accurately maintaining court records and case information, assisting judges and court personnel, providing information to attorneys, law enforcement and the public, and carrying out a wide range of administrative responsibilities. In some locations, their duties also include performing magistrate functions.
“For many people, the clerk of court’s office is their first point of contact with the judicial system,” said State Court Administrator Greg Sattizahn. “Our clerks and deputy clerks bring professionalism, knowledge and a commitment to public service to that interaction every day. Their work is essential to keeping our courts operating effectively and ensuring people across South Dakota have access to the judicial process.”
The governor’s proclamation recognizes clerks and deputy clerks for conducting their work in accordance with high ethical and legal standards, demonstrating cooperation and courtesy while remaining neutral and objective, and maintaining knowledge of state laws, rules and court procedures as those requirements evolve.
Clerks of court offices serve communities throughout South Dakota and handle responsibilities that touch nearly every type of case that comes before the state courts. Their work takes place both at the public counter and behind the scenes, from processing filings and maintaining official court records to assisting with courtroom operations and helping people navigate court processes.
“Clerks and deputy clerks are often called upon to balance many responsibilities at once, and they do so while working with people who may be experiencing difficult or unfamiliar circumstances,” Sattizahn said. “We appreciate the dedication of our court employees and the important work they do each day on behalf of South Dakota’s courts and citizens.”
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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 about UJS.