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South Dakota's appellate practice underwent significant changes on January 20, 2026, as the state's Supreme Court announced new rules aimed at streamlining the appeals process and ensuring a more efficient and effective system for handling cases.One of the key changes introduced by the Supreme Court is the implementation of electronic filing for all appellate cases. This move is expected to greatly reduce paperwork and streamline the process of filing appeals, making it easier for both attorneys and the court to track and manage cases. Additionally, electronic filing is anticipated to speed up the overall appeals process, allowing for quicker resolution of cases.Another major change introduced by the Supreme Court is the establishment of a dedicated appellate mediation program. This program aims to promote early resolution of appellate cases through mediation, providing parties with a cost-effective and expedited way to resolve their disputes without the need for lengthy court proceedings. The court hopes that the mediation program will help reduce the backlog of cases in the appellate court and provide parties with a more efficient and collaborative way to resolve their disputes.In addition to these changes, the Supreme Court also announced new guidelines for appellate briefs, including stricter page limits and formatting requirements. These guidelines are intended to ensure that appellate briefs are clear, concise, and focused, allowing judges to more easily understand the parties' arguments and reach a timely decision.Overall, these changes are aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of South Dakota's appellate practice, making it easier for parties to navigate the appeals process and obtain timely resolutions to their disputes. With the implementation of electronic filing, the establishment of an appellate mediation program, and the introduction of new guidelines for appellate briefs, the Supreme Court is taking proactive steps to modernize and streamline the state's appellate practice for the benefit of both attorneys and the court.