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South Dakota legal term

Harmful to minors in South Dakota Criminal Law

Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session

In South Dakota criminal law, “Harmful to minors” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the South Dakota criminal code.

What does “Harmful to minors” mean in South Dakota criminal law?

(5) "Harmful to minors," includes in its meaning the quality of any material or of any performance or of any description or representation, in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sado-masochistic abuse, if it: (a) Predominantly appeals to the prurient, shameful, or morbid interest of minors; (b) Is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material for minors; and (c) Is without serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value; (6) "Magistrate," any circuit court or magistrate judge; (7) " (SDCL § 22-24-27)

Statutes defining or using this term

Charges using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.