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In a recent development in South Dakota's legal landscape, appellate practice in the state has seen a sudden increase in the number of cases filed, despite the backlog in courts due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With more cases being appealed to higher courts, legal experts are calling for increased resources to expedite the appellate process and clear the backlog in a timely manner.The surge in appellate cases comes at a time when the South Dakota Supreme Court and Court of Appeals are grappling with a backlog of cases dating back to the start of the pandemic. The backlog has been exacerbated by the challenges posed by remote hearings and limited court proceedings, leading to delays in the resolution of civil and criminal cases.According to data from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, there has been a 20% increase in the number of cases filed in appellate courts in the past six months. This spike has put additional strain on the already overburdened court system, prompting calls for increased funding and resources to support the efficient resolution of appellate cases.Legal experts attribute the increase in appellate cases to a variety of factors, including the backlog in lower courts, delays in trial proceedings, and the complexity of legal issues arising from the pandemic. As a result, parties are increasingly turning to the appellate courts to seek resolution and clarification on legal issues that have been unresolved at the trial level.In response to the surge in appellate cases, the South Dakota judiciary has implemented various measures to streamline the appellate process and expedite the resolution of cases. These measures include the hiring of additional staff, scheduling of extra court sessions, and utilization of technology to facilitate remote hearings.Despite these efforts, challenges remain in clearing the backlog and ensuring timely resolution of appellate cases. Legal experts emphasize the importance of addressing these challenges to uphold the integrity of the legal system and provide timely justice to litigants.As the appellate practice in South Dakota continues to evolve in response to the changing legal landscape, stakeholders are hopeful that the increased attention and resources dedicated to appellate courts will help expedite the resolution of cases and address the backlog in a timely manner.