South Dakota § 15-15A-3 - Definition of terms.

Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 15-15A-3 — Definition of terms., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 15-15A-3. Definition of terms.

(1) "Court record" includes any document, information, or other thing that is collected, received or maintained by a clerk of court in connection with a judicial proceeding. "Court record" does not include other records maintained by the public official who also serves as clerk of court or information gathered, maintained or stored by a governmental agency or other entity to which the court has access but which is not part of the court record as defined in this section.

(2)    Information in a court record "in electronic form" includes information that exists as: (a) electronic representations of text or graphic documents; (b) an electronic image, including a video image, of a document, exhibit or other thing; or (c) data in the fields or files of an electronic database.

(3)    "Public access" means that the public may inspect and obtain a copy of the information in a court record unless otherwise prohibited by statute, court rule or a decision by a court of competent jurisdiction. The public may have access to inspect information in a court file upon payment of applicable fees.

(4)    "Remote access" means the ability to electronically search, inspect, or copy information in a court record without the need to physically visit the court facility where the court record is maintained.

Source: SL 2004, ch 333 (Supreme Court Rule 04-06), eff. July 1, 2004; SL 2005, ch 291 (Supreme Court Rule 05-05), eff. Feb. 25, 2005.

Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 15-15A-3

What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 15-15A-3 cover?

Section 15-15A-3 ("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 § 15-15A-3?

A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 15-15A-3" (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 § 15-15A-3 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

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.