After more than 20 years, the South Dakota Supreme Court courtroom in the state Capitol is back open for public viewing.
The courtroom was closed to public tours since 2001 due to elevated security measures following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Unified Judicial System officials say they’re reopening the courtroom as part of an effort to build public trust through transparency, education and community engagement.
The Supreme Court courtroom is on the second floor of the Capitol building in Pierre. It is open for public viewing from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. The public can also attend proceedings when the Supreme Court hears oral arguments during its terms of court.
Officials say it’s one of the few original Supreme Court courtrooms in the United States that is still used for court proceedings. The courtroom was restored in 1989. The walls and furniture were repainted and refinished to match the original brown, tan and gold colors and design of the chamber as closely as possible.