Home > State/Circuit Guides > South Dakota

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Detailed Guide: South Dakota

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Allows Cameras? Yes (with permission)
Exceptions: None

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Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? Yes
Allows Cell Phones to Record Video? No

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Extended coverage of trial and intermediate appellate court proceedings is permitted with the consent of the judge and all parties at least one week prior to the commencement of trial. Supreme Court Rules 10-8 and 10-9 effectively adopted recommendations of the Study of Cameras in the Courtroom Committee effective July 1, 2011. Members of the jury may not be photographed and proceedings outside the presence of the jury are not to be recorded. The court has discretion over the type and quantity of equipment to be used. The court is also entitled to a copy of any audio or video recordings for archiving.

Expanded media coverage of Supreme Court proceedings is permitted. Under Rule 15-24-6, the court can limit media coverage where it is necessary in the interest of justice. The court has the right to request a copy of any recordings or published photographs of the proceedings.

South Dakota’s policies on electronic devices in courtrooms vary from court to court. For example, in the Second Judicial Circuit, individuals may possess cell phones in courtrooms, but the phones must be turned off or silent. In addition, the Second Judicial Circuit explicitly prohibits the use of the recording or camera function on cell phones. Traditional cell phones are allowed in the courthouse and must be turned off or silent. Cell phones with cameras are not allowed in the courthouse.

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Links: Authority
• South Dakota Code of Judicial Conduct, South Dakota Codified Laws, Section 15-24-6
• Supreme Court Rule 10-08: Media Coverage in the Courtroom
• Supreme Court Rule 10-09: Expanded Media Coverage of Trial Court Proceedings

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Links: Other
• South Dakota Study of Cameras in the Courtroom Trial
• Second Judicial Circuit: Courthouse Equipment & Technology
• South Dakota Courts Livestream
• South Dakota Courts Media Guide
• South Dakota Courts YouTube

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Last edited: December 13, 2022