Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has announced the reappointment of Judge Michael W. Day as Presiding Judge for South Dakota's Fourth Judicial Circuit. This decision follows Chief Justice Jensen's own reselection to the position of Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Under Article V, Section 11 of the South Dakota Constitution, presiding judges are appointed by the chief justice and serve at their discretion. The role involves overseeing administrative duties within their respective circuits. The Fourth Judicial Circuit encompasses Butte, Corson, Dewey, Harding, Lawrence, Meade, Perkins, and Ziebach counties.
Chief Justice Jensen remarked on Judge Day's leadership: “Judge Day is a respected leader both inside and outside the courts, and his influence and commitment to justice and professionalism extends throughout the legal profession.” He added that "The Fourth Circuit is in good hands with Judge Day."
Judge Day completed his undergraduate studies at the University of South Dakota in 1980 before earning his juris doctor from its School of Law in 1983. His career includes three decades in private practice until his appointment as a circuit court judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit in 2013. Since 2015, he has served as its presiding judge.