PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – The presence of COVID-19 in South Dakota has forced governmental entities to improvise in an attempt to remain operational as well as accessible to the public.

The South Dakota Supreme Court is no exception.

The Court held five oral arguments this week using the Zoom video conferencing platform. In all other respects, the normal procedure for oral arguments was followed.

Chief Justice David Gilbertson is the longest serving justice ever on the state’s high court, marking 25 years this month (April 17). He says the use of technology is one of the ways COVID-19 has changed his job.

Gilbertson faces mandatory retirement in January and says Gov. Kristi Noem will appoint a someone from his district to serve on the court.

Gilbertson says the current Supreme Court judges will elect a new Chief Justice.

Justices Janine (ja-neen) Kern, Steven Jensen, Mark Salter and Patricia DeVaney  also serve on the state Supreme Court.