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Jury Duty Guide
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South Dakota Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What South Dakota pays for jury service, whether your employer has to keep paying you, and the exemptions and job protections the law gives you.

Updated for 2026 Last verified: Jun 10, 2026
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Jury pay & compensation

Daily jury pay
$10/day to report for selection, then $50/day if selected to hear a case, plus mileage
Transportation & parking
Yes — 51¢ per mile round trip, a state-set rate, not the IRS rate.
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. Necessary expenses for a required overnight stay are reimbursed at court discretion.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
No — the employer is not required to pay wages, but may not discharge or penalize an employee for jury service (SDCL 16-13-41.1)
Job protection law
Yes — SDCL 16-13-41.1 bars discharge or coercion of an employee for jury service
Exemptions
No — automatic occupational exemptions; excusal for undue hardship, or on request for people 70 or older

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to Circuit Court. Magistrate courts do not use juries.
Common questions

South Dakota jury duty FAQ

How much does South Dakota pay for jury duty?
$10/day to report for selection, then $50/day if selected to hear a case, plus mileage. Yes - 51¢ per mile round trip, a state-set rate, not the IRS rate.
Do employers in South Dakota have to pay employees during jury duty?
No - the employer is not required to pay wages, but may not discharge or penalize an employee for jury service (SDCL 16-13-41.1)
What job protections exist for jurors in South Dakota?
Yes - SDCL 16-13-41.1 bars discharge or coercion of an employee for jury service
Who can be exempt from jury duty in South Dakota?
No automatic occupational exemptions; excusal for undue hardship, or on request for people 70 or older
Where can I find the official South Dakota jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in South Dakota on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.