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SD Supreme Court: Secrecy Surrounds Appeal... For Now

Steven Groves AP

In a case cloaked in secrecy, the South Dakota Supreme Court heard arguments pitting open records against privacy. Justices held court on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the Capitol in Pierre.

Former Attorney General Marty Jackley represents a person identified as an "implicated individual" who wants a search warrant with his name on it to remain sealed.

On the other side are lawyers representing ProPublica and the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, saying that the search warrant in question is a public document and should be open to news media.

Both sides stipulated to keeping the file sealed as the appeal goes forward. But oral arguments are open to the public and live-streamed online. So in advance of arguments, Chief Justice Steven Jensen cautioned the lawyers to refrain from naming or otherwise identifying the "implicated individual" seeking anonymity.

Victoria Wicks has more to report on this strange case.

Rapid City freelancer Victoria L. Wicks has been producing news for SDPB since August 2007. She Retired from this position in March 2023.