During his State of the Judiciary message before a joint session of the House and Senate Wednesday, South Dakota Supreme Court Justice David Gilbertson said the court system is expanding existing programs and starting new ones to treat more non-violent offenders outside of prison. Those programs include courts for drug and alcohol offenders and pilot courts for some military veterans charged with misdemeanors. The changes are part of a Criminal Justice Reform measure passed by lawmakers last year and signed by Governor Dennis Daugaard.
This interview includes approximately five minutes of audio not heard on Thursday's Dakota Midday program.