The South Dakota Supreme Court is set to hold its March Term of Court at Black Hills State University in Spearfish on March 25-26, 2025. Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has extended an invitation to the public to attend the sessions.
During this term, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for three cases each morning on Tuesday, March 25, and Wednesday, March 26. The proceedings will take place in the Jacket Legacy Room at the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union located at 1200 University St., Spearfish. Oral arguments are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. MDT both days.
Chief Justice Jensen stated, “The South Dakota Supreme Court is committed to making the judicial process accessible and transparent to all South Dakotans. Our traveling terms of court provide the public with an opportunity to witness the appellate process firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of how our legal system functions.” He encouraged attendance from students, educators, and community members.
Before court sessions begin each day, a court employee will present a brief history of the South Dakota Supreme Court and outline what attendees can expect during the day's proceedings. This primer will commence at 8:40 a.m. MDT.
After oral arguments conclude each day, high school and college students will have an opportunity to engage with the Supreme Court Justices through a question-and-answer session starting around 11:15 a.m. MDT.
For those interested in more information about the cases being heard or about appellate procedures, booklets containing schedules, case synopses, biographical details of justices, and summaries of appellate procedure are available on the Unified Judicial System website.
Further details regarding the March term can be accessed at https://ujs.sd.gov/Supreme_Court/CurrentTerm.aspx.