South Dakota § 16-16-1 - License from Supreme Court required to practice law--Active membership in state bar--Violation as misdemeanor.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 16-16-1 — License from Supreme Court required to practice law--Active membership in state bar--Violation as misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-16-1. License from Supreme Court required to practice law--Active membership in state bar--Violation as misdemeanor.
No person, except as provided in § 16-18-2, may practice as an attorney and counselor at law in any court of record within this state, either by using or subscribing his or her own name or the name of any other person, without having previously obtained a license for that purpose from the Supreme Court of this state and having become an active member in good standing of the State Bar of South Dakota. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, §§ 13.1255, 32.1101; SDCL, § 16-18-30; SL 1979, ch 150, § 14; SL 2001, ch 102, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 16-16-1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 16-16-1 cover?
Section 16-16-1 ("License from Supreme Court required to practice law--Active membership in state bar--Violation as misdemeanor.") 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 § 16-16-1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 16-16-1" (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 § 16-16-1 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
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.