The opening of session marked the State of the Judiciary address, delivered by chief justice of the state Supreme Court Steven Jensen.
He said priority one remains continued reform in the South Dakota indigent defense system. Indigent defense is legal council for those unable to afford courtroom representation.
Last session, the Legislature created an office to address costs associated with indigent defense.
“The commission and the office (of indigent defense) will continue to be instrumental in taking an ad hoc system that has been county-funded and managed and turning it into one that provides management of an indigent defense system statewide," Jensen said. "The creation of the commission and office of indigent legal services is a monumental first step to create a more efficient and effective system of indigent defense in South Dakota.”
Jensen estimated the savings brought by this office will tally over a half-million dollars yearly to the state, and $1.2 million to individual counties.
Jensen said now is the time to finally sever the state from the prior county-by-county system.
“The next and final step in moving from an ad hoc, county-funded and managed indigent defense system to a statewide system, will involve implementation at the trail court level,” Jensen said.
Currently, this system is only used at the appellate level.
Jensen added another priority for this year is to advance efforts to lower recidivism, or reoffence, rates.
“There are more opportunities for enhancing probation services for juveniles or young adults as we consider expanding mentoring and providing safe housing, to support individuals working towards restoration," Jensen said. "For these types of services to be successful, we need to engage community volunteers, groups and churches to walk alongside these young people.”
Jensen, who recently was named to a second four-year term as chief justice, delivered his address Wednesday.
A full replay State of the Judiciary address is available here.
