Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen outlines indigent-defense overhaul, pretrial plan and courthouse security in 2025 State of the Judiciary

Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen told a joint session of the South Dakota Legislature on Thursday that the Unified Judicial System (UJS) is pressing a range of changes intended to improve access to counsel, expand rehabilitative programs and strengthen courthouse security.

"I'm honored to deliver my 2025 State of the Judiciary message to you," Chief Justice Jensen said, opening remarks that ran through reforms from indigent defense to courthouse safety.

Why it matters: Jensen framed the initiatives as steps to preserve due process, reduce recidivism and protect judges, court staff and the public. Several measures already enacted by the legislature or adopted by the courts create the framework for broader implementation, but Jensen said further statutory authority and funding will be required for full rollouts.

Indigent defense: Jensen reported that the legislature enacted legislation this past session to create a commission on indigent legal services and provided ongoing funding to establish an Office of Indigent Legal Services. "The legislature also provided $1,400,000 in ongoing funding to create the office of indigent legal services," he said. The commission has selected "USD Knutsen School of Law Dean Veil Fulton to serve as chair," and hired Chris Miles as chief defender to lead the new office, Jensen said. The new office initially will handle court-appointed criminal appeals, habeas corpus petitions and child abuse-and-neglect…