South Dakota legal term
Public officer in South Dakota Criminal Law
Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session
In South Dakota criminal law, “Public officer” 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 “Public officer” mean in South Dakota criminal law?
(39) "Public officer," any person who holds a position in the state government or in any of its political subdivisions, by election or appointment, for a definite period, whose duties are fixed by law, and who is invested with some portion of the sovereign functions of government; (40) "Public record," any official book, paper, or record created, received, or used by or in any office or agency of the state or of any of its political subdivisions; (41) "Publish," to disseminate, circulate, or place before the public in any way, other than by speech which is not mechanically or electronically am (SDCL § 22-1-2)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Arrest or seizure of property without process
- Bribery of public officer
- Destruction or impairment of public record
- Falsification of public records
- Forfeiture of public officer's office for record violations
- Impersonation of officer, employee, firefighter, or person causing injury or fraud
- Obstructing certain public officers or employees
- Simple or aggravated assault against law enforcement officer, firefighter, ambulance personnel, Department of Corrections employee or contractor, health care personnel, or other public officer
- Solicitation of bribe by public officer
- Solicitation of compensation for omission of official duty
- Solicitation of unauthorized fee for doing official act
- Unlawful retention of public record
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.