South Dakota Unified Judicial System Issues FY 2026 Annual Report
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) has issued its FY 2026 Annual Report, which encompasses the work of the South Dakota Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts and the State Court Administrator’s Office from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 1, 2026
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, via email or 605-773-2031
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Issues FY 2026 Annual Report
PIERRE, S.D.—The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) has issued its FY 2026 Annual Report, which encompasses the work of the South Dakota Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts and the State Court Administrator’s Office from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The circuit courts, which include the magistrate 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.
“As I reflect on the work of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System during the past year, I am encouraged by the progress we continue to make while remaining grounded in the fundamental responsibility entrusted to our courts: providing fair, impartial and accessible justice to the people of South Dakota,” said Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen. “Throughout the year, we continued to strengthen court services, embrace opportunities to improve how we serve the public, and respond to the changing needs of the people and communities who rely on our courts.”
Information in the annual report includes a year in review of the state court system, judicial highlights from the past fiscal year, Supreme Court and circuit court statistics, and information about the State Court Administrator’s Office.
“While the way we deliver justice will continue to evolve, the principles that guide us will not. We remain committed to the rule of law and to maintaining a court system worthy of the trust and confidence of the people we serve. It is both our responsibility and our privilege to continue that work on behalf of all citizens,” Chief Justice Jensen said.
The FY 2026 Annual Report can be viewed online. For more information, contact Alisa Bousa, Unified Judicial System public information officer, at 605-773-2031 or via email.
—30—
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.