South Dakota has a unified judicial system.
The system consists of magistrate courts, circuit courts and the South Dakota Supreme Court. South Dakota is divided into eight areas called judicial circuits.
What kinds of cases are heard in magistrate court?
Magistrate courts handle criminal cases classified as misdemeanors. A misdemeanor is a crime for which the penalty does not exceed a fine of $1,000 and/or imprisonment in the county jail of a term of not more than 1 year. Preliminary matters in serious criminal cases are also commonly handled in magistrate court. Such matters include first appearances. Magistrate court also includes a small claims division. Small claims court handles civil cases involving disputed money claims of up to $4,000.
What kinds of cases are heard in circuit court?
Other cases in all areas of the law are in the circuit courts. The cases are classified as divorce, probate, guardianship, adoption, juvenile proceedings, felony, criminal proceedings or civil lawsuits. The circuit court also hears certain appeals. These appeals are from magistrate court or administrative agencies.
What kinds of cases are heard in the South Dakota Supreme Court?
The South Dakota Supreme Court is the State's highest court. The Supreme Court consists of a chief justice and four associate justices. The Court hears appeals brought before it from the circuit courts. In very unusual situations, a proceeding may be brought directly in the Supreme Court.
How are judges selected in South Dakota?
Circuit court judges are elected for eight-year terms by voters in their circuit. Should a vacancy arise during the term, the Governor appoints the replacement. Magistrate judges are selected by the presiding judge of the circuit. The Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the Governor from a list of two or more nominees selected by the Judicial Qualifications Commission.
How are complaints against judges handled?
All complaints against judges are heard by the Judicial Qualifications Commission. The Commission is made up of judges, lawyers and citizen representatives. The Commission may recommend to the Supreme Court that the judge be reprimanded, censured, suspended, or disbarred, depending on the seriousness of the conduct involved.