NEWS FROM U.S. DISTRICT COURT
May 8, 2026
Public Notice of Proposed Rule Change. The district judges are proposing a change to the Civil and Criminal Local Rules. The change has been reviewed by the Federal Practice Committee and is now available for public notice and comment. The change would allow for digital signatures. Redline versions of Civil Local Rule 5.1 and Criminal Local Rule 49.1 are posted on the District Court website. If you have any comments or suggestions, please direct them to Matt_Thelen@sdd.uscourts.gov no later than May 29, 2026.
Correction. Last month we included an article about public officers being sued in their official capacity, citing Rule 19 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The correct rule is 17.
- Rule 17(d) allows a public officer who sues or is sued in an official capacity, to be designated by official title rather than by name.
POWER Act. The District of South Dakota will cosponsor a Pro Bono Work to Empower and Represent (POWER) Act virtual training event on May 20, 2026, at 3:00 CDT. Click here to learn more and register for the event. The POWER Act - 2026 | Northern District of New York | United States District Court
Closure Reminder. The Court will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.