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South Dakota legal term

Witness in South Dakota Criminal Law

Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session

In South Dakota criminal law, “Witness” 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 “Witness” mean in South Dakota criminal law?

(1) "Witness," a person whose testimony is desired in any proceeding or investigation by a grand jury or in a criminal action, prosecution, or proceeding; (2) "State," any state or territory of the United States and the District of Columbia; (3) "Summons," a summons, subpoena, order, or other notice requiring the appearance of a witness. (SDCL § 23A-14-14)

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.