The South Dakota Supreme Court has announced the reappointment of Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen for a second term as the head of the state's highest court. Initially appointed to the Supreme Court in 2017, Jensen was first selected as Chief Justice by his peers in 2021. His new four-year term will commence on January 6, 2025.
Chief Justice Jensen expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by his colleagues: “I am deeply honored that my colleagues have entrusted me with a second term as Chief Justice. Over the past four years, we have worked to ensure that our courts remain fair, accessible and responsive to the needs of all South Dakotans,” he stated. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining public trust and upholding the rule of law.
Jensen's academic background includes an undergraduate degree from Bethel University and a juris doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law. His career began with a clerkship under Justice Richard W. Sabers before entering private practice in 1989. In 2003, he was appointed as a circuit court judge for the First Judicial Circuit and became presiding judge in 2011.
Reflecting on his tenure, Jensen remarked on efforts made over the past four years: “In my view, the court system’s ability to provide a forum for the fair resolution of disputes, and the consistent application of the rule of law, is dependent upon having judges and court staff who perform their duties with excellence.” He highlighted initiatives such as creating a statewide indigent legal defense system and enhancing courthouse security.
Justice Janine M. Kern noted that Chief Justice Jensen was reelected unanimously: “The members of our Court unanimously and without hesitation reelected Chief Justice Jensen to lead our Court and the system. He is fair minded, efficient, caring and focused on improving the delivery of services to every member of the public who accesses the system.”
The South Dakota Supreme Court consists of five Justices appointed by geographical districts within South Dakota. Alongside Chief Justice Jensen are Justices Janine M. Kern, Mark E. Salter, Patricia J. DeVaney, and Scott P. Myren.
As administrative head of South Dakota's court system—which employs 605 people with an operating budget set at $78 million for FY2025—Chief Justice Jensen collaborates closely with both state legislative bodies and Governor Kristi Noem regarding judicial matters.