PIERRE — South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has invited the public to attend the court’s October term of court on Oct. 1-2 at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in Vermillion.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in four cases the today and three cases on Wednesday morning. Arguments will begin at 9 a.m. CDT and end at noon each day. The sessions will be held in the USD Knudson School of Law at 414 E. Clark St. in Vermillion.

A booklet containing a schedule of the cases to be heard, a short synopsis of each case, biographical information on the Supreme Court justices and a short summary of appellate procedure is available here.

The South Dakota Supreme Court travels throughout the state twice a year to hear oral arguments at USD and another public institution. This gives the residents of South Dakota the opportunity to see and hear for themselves how the Supreme Court operates. Area high school government classes are also invited to attend.

“Holding a traveling term of court at locations like the University of South Dakota allows us to bring the judicial process closer to the people we serve,” said Jensen. “It provides a unique opportunity for students, educators and the community to witness firsthand the workings of the South Dakota Supreme Court. This outreach underscores the importance of transparency, education and civic engagement by the Court, as we make decisions that affect citizens across South Dakota.”

In addition to the cases scheduled for oral argument, there are several non-oral cases on the October term of court calendar that the Supreme Court will consider. Learn more about the court here.