Supreme Court Courtroom Now Open for Public Viewing
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Jan. 7, 2026
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us or 605.773.2031
Supreme Court Courtroom Now Open for Public Viewing
PIERRE, S.D.—Visitors to the State Capitol in Pierre are now able to step inside and view the South Dakota Supreme Court Courtroom.
The Supreme Court Courtroom, located southeast of the Rotunda on the second floor of the State Capitol, remains one of the few original Supreme Court courtrooms in the United States that is still used for court proceedings. The courtroom had been closed to public tours following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, which prompted elevated security measures in many government offices across the United States.
The South Dakota Supreme Court made the decision to reopen the courtroom to public tours as part of a strategic priority to build trust and confidence in the courts through transparency, communication, education and community engagement.
The Supreme Court Courtroom is dominated by a mahogany bench for the justices. Behind the bench is a mural titled “The Mercy of the Law” by Charles Holloway that dates to the construction of the State Capitol. The painting is also referred to as “Gate of Justice.” The balance of the woodwork and furniture in the courtroom is polished mahogany and is original to the building.
The Supreme Court Courtroom was restored to its original 1910 grandeur in 1989. The walls and furniture were repainted and refinished to match the original brown, tan and gold colors and design of the chamber as closely as possible. The walls and ceilings are typical of the late Victorian period when the building was constructed.
The Supreme Court Courtroom is now open for public viewing from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. The public can also attend proceedings when the Supreme Court hears oral arguments during its terms of court.
There are two levels of court in South Dakota: the Supreme Court and circuit courts. The South Dakota Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and makes final decisions on law. Learn more about the South Dakota Supreme Court at https://ujs.sd.gov/supreme-court.
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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.