South Dakota Supreme Court

South Dakota Supreme Court

The South Dakota Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and makes final decisions on state law. The Court is comprised of five justices who are entrusted to deliver the final judicial authority on all matters involving the legal and judicial system of South Dakota. 

The Supreme Court most often serves as an appellate court and hears appeals of circuit court decisions. The Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction over certain types of proceedings, which means the matter is filed directly with the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court manages the statewide court system. South Dakota courts are organized into a unified judicial system.

SD Supreme Court Chairs

August Term of Court

The South Dakota Supreme Court will next hold term of court on Aug. 25-27, 2026, in the Supreme Court Courtroom in the State Capitol in Pierre. 

South Dakota Supreme Court Justices

South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen

Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen

Supreme Court Chief Justice

South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Mark E. Salter

Justice Mark E. Salter

Supreme Court Justice

South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Patricia J. DeVaney

Justice Patricia J. DeVaney

Supreme Court Justice

South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Scott P. Myren

Justice Scott P. Myren

Supreme Court Justice

South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Robert Gusinsky

Justice Robert Gusinsky

Supreme Court Justice

2026 State of the Judiciary

Watch the 2026 State of the Judiciary presented by South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen on Jan. 14, 2026. The UJS also produces an annual State of the Judiciary booklet available as a PDF file. 

Judiciary Messages

Supreme Court News

See the latest news about the South Dakota Supreme Court

South Dakota Supreme Court Case Processing Sets New Standard

With the release of two opinions today, the South Dakota Supreme Court has resolved all cases considered during its court term year that began August 2025.

UJS Proposes Merger of Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits

The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) State Court Administrator’s Office has proposed to the South Dakota Supreme Court consideration of a merger of the administrative structures of the Fourth Judicial Circuit and Seventh Judicial Circuit.

South Dakota Supreme Court to Bring Court to Augustana University

South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen invites the public to attend the Court’s March Term of Court at Augustana University in Sioux Falls on March 18-19, 2026.