gubernatorial appointment from nominating commission
Circuit Court:
nonpartisan election*
Supreme Court:
at least 3 yrs
Circuit Court:
8 yrs
Supreme Court:
retention election
Circuit Court:
reelection
Supreme Court:
8 yrs
Circuit Court:
8 yrs
Supreme Court:
gubernatorial appointment from nominating commission
Circuit Court:
gubernatorial appointment from nominating commission
Supreme Court:
next general election after 3 yrs in office
Circuit Court:
hold office for remainder of unexpired term
Supreme Court:
peer vote
Circuit Court:
chief justice appoints
Supreme Court:
4 yrs
Circuit Court:
at pleasure of chief justice
Supreme Court:
U.S. citizen; state resident; voting resident within district; licensed to practice law in state; mandatory retirement age of 70
Circuit Court:
U.S. citizen; state resident; voting resident within circuit; licensed to practice law in state; mandatory retirement age of 70
Selection and retention methods and term lengths are prescribed by Article V of the South Dakota Constitution.
*If more than two candidates file for a judicial position, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes in the primary election run in the general election. If no more than two candidates file for a judicial position, no primary election is held for the position.
