The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) processed more than 202,000 criminal and civil cases in fiscal year 2025, according to its newly released annual report. The Second Judicial Circuit, which includes Sioux Falls, led the state with over 72,000 filings.
Key developments included the launch of a redesigned UJS website and a new ePay portal to improve public access to court services. The state also introduced a pilot Judicial Mentoring Program and expanded courthouse security grants, awarding over $1.2 million in FY2025.
Treatment courts served more than 800 participants, and a new collaboration with Midwest Street Medicine brought mobile health services and overdose prevention tools to court-involved individuals. The Supreme Court adopted the NextGen bar exam, set to begin in July 2027, and approved a public service pathway to bar admission.
One other statistic of note, Circuit Court Judges traveled nearly 175,000 miles during the fiscal year which equals 7 times around the world.
Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen emphasized the system’s commitment to fairness, accessibility, and public trust, supported by a new strategic plan guiding priorities through 2028. The full report is available at ujs.sd.gov.
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