South Dakota § 11-12-1 - Definition of terms.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 11-12-1 — Definition of terms., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 11-12-1. Definition of terms.
Terms used in this chapter mean:
(1) "Adult arcade," any place to which the public is permitted or invited and in which coin-operated or slug-operated or electronically, electrically, or mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors, or other image producing devices are maintained to show images involving specific sexual activities or specific anatomical areas to persons in booths or viewing rooms;
(2) "Adult bookstore or video store," a commercial establishment that offers for sale or rent any of the following as one of its principal business purposes:
(a) Books, magazines, periodicals, or other printed matter, photographs, films, motion pictures, videocassettes or reproductions or slides, or other visual representations that depict or describe specific sexual activities or specific anatomical areas;
(b) Instruments, devices, or paraphernalia that are designed for use in connection with specific sexual activities;
(3) "Adult cabaret," any nightclub, bar, restaurant, or other similar commercial establishment that regularly features:
(a) Persons who appear in a state of nudity or seminudity;
(b) Live performances that are characterized by the exposure of specific anatomical areas or specific sexual activities;
(c) Films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides or other photographic reproductions that are characterized by the depiction or description of specific sexual activities or specific anatomical areas;
(4) "Adult motion picture theater," a commercial establishment in which, for any form of consideration, films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides, or other similar photographic reproductions that are characterized by the depiction or description of specific sexual activities or specific anatomical areas are predominantly shown;
(5) "Adult oriented business," any adult arcade, adult bookstore or video store, cabaret, adult live entertainment establishment, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, massage establishment that offers adult service, or nude model studios;
(6) "Adult service," dancing, serving food or beverages, modeling, posing, wrestling, singing, reading, talking, listening, or other performances or activities conducted for any consideration in an adult oriented business by a person who is nude or seminude during all or part of the time that the person is providing the service;
(7) "Adult theater," a theater, concert hall, auditorium, or similar commercial establishment that predominantly features persons who appear in a state of nudity or who engage in live performances that are characterized by the exposure of specific anatomical areas or specific sexual activities;
(8) "Massage establishment," an establishment in which a person, firm, association, or corporation engages in or permits massage activities, including any method of pressure on, friction against, stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating, or stimulating of external soft parts of the body with the hands or with the aid of any mechanical apparatus or electrical apparatus or appliance. This subdivision does not apply to:
(a) Physicians who are licensed pursuant to chapter 36-4 or a podiatrist licensed pursuant to chapter 36-8;
(b) Registered nurses or licensed practical nurses who are licensed pursuant to chapter 36-9;
(c) Physician assistants who are licensed pursuant to chapter 36-4A or certified nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives who are licensed pursuant to chapter 36-9A;
(d) Physical therapists licensed pursuant to chapter 36-10;
(e) Athletic trainers licensed pursuant to chapter 36-29;
(f) Massage therapists licensed pursuant to chapter 36-35;
(g) Chiropractors licensed pursuant to chapter 36-5;
(9) "Nude model studio," a place in which a person who appears in a state of nudity or who displays specific anatomical areas is observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed, or otherwise depicted by other persons who pay money or other consideration. The term, nude model studio, does not include a proprietary school that is licensed by this state, a college, or a university that is supported entirely or in part by taxation, a private college or university that maintains and operates educational programs in which credits are transferable to a college or university that is supported entirely or in part by taxation or a structure to which the following apply:
(a) A sign is not visible from the exterior of the structure and no other advertising appears indicating that a nude person is available for viewing;
(b) A student must enroll at least three days in advance of a class in order to participate; and
(c) No more than one nude or seminude model is on the premises at any time;
(10) "Nude," "nudity," or "state of nudity," any of the following:
(a) The appearance of a human anus, genitals, or a female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola;
(b) A state of dress that fails to opaquely cover a human anus, genitals, or a female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola;
(11) "Place of worship," a structure where persons regularly assemble for worship, ceremonies, rituals, and education relating to a particular form of religious belief and which a reasonable person would conclude is a place of worship by reason of design, signs, or architectural or other features;
(12) "Residence," a permanent dwelling place;
(13) "Seminude," a state of dress in which clothing covers no more than the genitals, pubic region, and female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola, as well as portions of the body that are covered by supporting straps or devices;
(14) "Specific anatomical areas," any of the following:
(a) A human anus, genitals, the pubic region, or a female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola that is less than completely and opaquely covered;
(b) Male genitals in a discernibly turgid state even if completely and opaquely covered;
(15) "Specific sexual activities," any of the following:
(a) Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;
(b) Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, oral copulation, or sodomy;
(c) Fondling or other erotic touching of the human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, anus, or female breast; or
(d) Excretory functions as part of or in connection with any of the activities under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this subdivision.
Source: SL 2008, ch 61, § 6.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 11-12-1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 11-12-1 cover?
Section 11-12-1 ("Definition of terms.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 11-12-1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 11-12-1" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 11-12-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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