Judicial Branch
South Dakota's unified judicial system includes the Supreme Court, circuit courts, and magistrate courts.
State appellate court
Supreme Court
The present unified judicial system developed from a 1972 constitutional amendment and later implementing laws. A five-justice Supreme Court sits at the top of the system.
Justices represent five geographic districts and select the chief justice from among their membership. Vacancies are filled by gubernatorial appointment from nominees recommended by the Judicial Qualifications Commission; justices later stand for retention election.
Trial courts
Circuit courts
South Dakota is divided into seven judicial circuits. Circuit courts are the state principal trial courts and have broad jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters.
Circuit judges are elected on a nonpartisan basis to eight-year terms. Vacancies are filled by gubernatorial appointment following recommendations from the Judicial Qualifications Commission.
Limited jurisdiction
Magistrate courts
Magistrate courts operate in every judicial circuit under the supervision of the circuit presiding judge. They exercise limited jurisdiction and provide additional judicial services to counties and municipalities.