Legal Learning: South Dakota Supreme Court Convenes at USD
Seven cases were heard throughout the visit; three the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 7, and four on Thursday, Oct. 8. Cases were selected to demonstrate the wide variety of legal arguments the court mediates. This year’s cases included issues of disability benefits, court discretion, statutes of repose, reasonable suspicion, fee taxes and more. The cases argued are further detailed in the October Session Booklet.
This yearly tradition allows law students to learn from and network with the justices, law clerks and visiting attorneys. All five of the Supreme Court Justices are USD alumni. Justices Devaney and Myren graduated USD with their bachelor’s degrees while Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen and Justices Salter and Gusinsky earned their Juris Doctorates from the Knudson School of Law. This visit was Justice Gusinsky’s first return to his alma mater since being nominated to the Supreme Court.
“Bringing the Supreme Court to the Knudson School of Law provides a unique opportunity for future lawyers to experience the appellate process firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the important role our courts play in upholding the rule of law,” said Chief Justice Jensen, J.D. ’88. “Law school students can see how attorneys advocate for their clients, how justices examine complex legal questions and how the judicial process works in practice. Just as importantly, opening these proceedings to the public allows South Dakotans to see the work of their Supreme Court firsthand, helping build greater understanding, trust and confidence in our judicial system.”
Students involved in Moot Court, a distinguished student organization that simulates appellate court experiences, served as bailiffs and helped with organization throughout the event. Katherine Conzet ’24, a third-year law student, was one of the bailiffs. “It’s always exciting when the Supreme Court visits,” she shared. “Seeing real cases get decided helps put all our coursework in perspective.”
Beyond the students of the Knudson School of Law, all of whom attended the oral arguments—visiting students from Mount Marty University, Morningside University, local high school students and members of the public observed the court at work.
El Branham ’25, a second-year law student, elaborated on why law students were eager to attend. “It’s one thing to read about decisions, but to see the arguments made by attorneys and the questions by judges in real time is completely different. Every law student is very thankful the court continues to visit our university.”
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