Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has announced the reappointment of Judge Gregg C. Magera as the Presiding Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. This decision follows Jensen's own reselection as Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court.
According to Article V, Section 11 of the South Dakota Constitution, presiding judges are appointed by the chief justice and serve at their discretion. These judges act as administrative heads for their circuits. The Fifth Judicial Circuit covers Brown, Campbell, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Marshall, McPherson, Roberts, Spink, and Walworth counties.
Chief Justice Jensen praised Judge Magera's leadership and commitment to justice: “Judge Magera models judicial leadership and has a deep commitment to professionalism and the fair administration of justice,” he said. “His guidance and dedication are invaluable to ensuring our courts meet the needs of the people in the Fifth Judicial Circuit.”
Judge Magera's academic background includes an undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota in 1987 and a juris doctor from its School of Law in 1990. His professional experience spans roles such as a law clerk for the Fifth Judicial Circuit (1990-1991), an attorney in private practice (1991-2019), a magistrate judge (2019-2021), and his current position as circuit court judge since 2021.