State Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen has earned another term heading South Dakota’s highest bench. Now, the next step is preparing for that term.
Jensen begins his next four-year term this month. This means he will have significant sway over the direction of the judiciary.
Republican Sen. David Wheeler is the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“I look forward to hearing what he has to say in the State of the Judiciary address," Wheeler said. "As an attorney, I always like to see what’s in there and see what is on the horizon for our court system.”
Wheeler said he’s happy to see Jensen continue the role.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have some good people in that role, and Chief Justice Jensen has done, I believe, a good role," Wheeler said. "It’s good to have longevity in that position because that can help provide continuity in terms of policy, and outlook and budgeting.”
The Senator said Jensen has been a strong presence in the capitol building.
“Justice Jensen does a good job of reaching out to others, reaching out to legislators, reaching out to leadership," Wheeler said. "He tries to have a relationship with legislators, especially those who are lawyers, so we kind of work in both worlds.”
The State of the Judiciary address is scheduled for January 15.