Courts are state and federal government institutions with the authority to decide legal disputes and administer justice under the law in civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Courts are generally given this authority under the relevant state or federal constitution, and the relevant state or federal statutes. Courts are generally staffed by (1) one judge (in trial courts) or a panel of judges (in appellate courts) who interpret and apply the law; (2) support staff members that may include administrators (clerks); (3) a court reporter to record court proceedings; and (4) a bailiff to provide security.

The room in which court proceedings are conducted is known as the courtroom, and the building that includes the courtroom is known as the courthouse. The term “the court” may be used to refer to the judge or judges who are presiding over court proceedings. The judges in a state or federal court system are collectively known as the judiciary.

In South Dakota, courts operate as part of the judicial branch of government, with the authority to resolve legal disputes and deliver justice in accordance with state and federal laws. This authority is derived from the South Dakota Constitution and relevant statutes. The state court system includes various levels, such as the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, and Magistrate Courts. Federal cases are handled by the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota. Typically, trial courts in South Dakota are presided over by a single judge, while appellate courts have panels of judges. The support staff in these courts includes clerks, court reporters, and bailiffs, among others. Court proceedings take place in a courtroom, which is located within a courthouse. The term 'the court' can refer to either the physical courtroom or the judge(s) presiding over the proceedings. Judges at both the state and federal levels in South Dakota are part of the judiciary, which interprets and applies the law to cases brought before them.