Unified Judicial System to Promote Civics Education and Public Engagement at Two Upcoming Events
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 8, 2025
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us, 605.773.2031
Unified Judicial System to Promote Civics Education and Public Engagement at Two Upcoming Events
PIERRE, S.D.—The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) will be participating in a civics town hall and state court media training this fall to expand the public’s understanding of the court’s purpose and responsibility.
Separation of Powers Town Hall
On Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen and Justice Patricia J. DeVaney will join representatives from the other two branches of state government for a Separation of Powers Town Hall. The event will take place at 8-9:30 p.m. CDT in the Capitol Rotunda in Pierre and be televised live on South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB).
Representatives from the executive, legislative and judicial branches of state government will discuss how the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances work in South Dakota. Joining Chief Justice Jensen and Justice DeVaney will be Gov. Larry Rhoden, Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Carl Perry, Senate Assistant Minority Leader Jamie Smith, House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach and Rep. Erik Muckey.
“An informed public is essential to a healthy democracy. When the public has opportunities to learn how their government and the courts function, trust is strengthened,” said Chief Justice Jensen. “For the court system, we look forward to engaging with the public at the Civics Town Hall Meeting to talk about the work of the courts in applying the rule of law and providing a fair and impartial forum to resolve disputes in communities across South Dakota.”
A limited number of tickets will be available to attend the town hall at the State Capitol. This event will also be streamed live on SDPB.org, YouTube and Facebook.
The event is being organized by South Dakota News Watch and SDPB, with support from the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota and the League of Women Voters.
State Court Media Training
On Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, UJS staff will explain how the state court system works and how journalists and members of the public can access court documents and attend hearings. The training is set for 9-11 a.m. CDT at SDBP in Sioux Falls (601 N. Phillips Ave.) and Rapid City (415 Main St.) and live online at sd.net.
Training participants will be Seventh Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge Robert Gusinsky, Second Judicial Circuit Judge Jon C. Sogn, Second Judicial Circuit Court Administrator Karl Thoennes, Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Administrator Liz Hassett, Pennington County Clerk of Courts Amber Watkins and UJS Public Information Officer Alisa Bousa.
The South Dakota Bar Foundation co-sponsors this twice-annual training.
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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.