University of South Dakota in South Dakota Law Schools
University of South Dakota School of Law — Overview
History & Mission
USD Law, also known as the Knudson School of Law, was founded in 1901 and is the only ABA-accredited law school in South Dakota.
The school’s mission is to provide a rigorous legal education that emphasizes practical skills, ethical practice, and public service.
USD Law prepares students to serve in South Dakota, nationally, and internationally in law firms, government, and public interest roles.
Academic Programs
Juris Doctor (J.D.): Full-time and part-time tracks covering core legal courses such as Contracts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property, Torts, and Legal Writing.
Joint/Dual Degrees: Programs combining law with business (J.D./M.B.A.), public administration (J.D./M.P.A.), or social work (J.D./M.S.W.), enabling interdisciplinary legal training.
Specializations/Certificates: Opportunities in Native American Law, Criminal Law, Health Law, and Family Law.
Experiential Learning
USD Law emphasizes hands-on training through clinics and externships:
Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic – Provides legal aid to veterans, active service members, and their families.
WORKS Clinic – Helps low-income families and divorcing couples with forms, mediation, and representation.
Tribal Wills Clinic – Drafts wills for Native American communities, teaching students federal Indian law and estate planning.
Criminal Defense Practicum – Offers students supervised experience defending clients in criminal cases.
Externships – Placements in courts, government offices, non-profits, and law firms, granting academic credit while providing real-world exposure.
Notable Case Law Studied at USD Law
USD Law students study federal and state-level case law to understand doctrine and legal reasoning. Some key examples:
1. Guse v. University of South Dakota
Facts: Plaintiff alleged due process violations and retaliation under civil rights law (42 U.S.C. §1983).
Holding: The court partially granted and partially denied the defendants’ motion for summary judgment.
Significance: Demonstrates procedural safeguards in academic disciplinary processes and the limits of university authority under constitutional law.
2. State v. Anderson
Facts: A criminal DUI case in South Dakota.
Holding: The court examined whether law enforcement had probable cause to stop and search the defendant.
Significance: Illustrates constitutional protections under the Fourth Amendment (search and seizure) and standards for criminal procedure.
3. Lefors v. Lefors
Facts: A family law dispute over child custody and visitation.
Holding: The court decided custody based on the best interests of the child, considering parental ability, child preferences, and stability.
Significance: Teaches family law doctrine and judicial reasoning in custody disputes.
Student Experience
Small Class Sizes: Low student-faculty ratio ensures mentorship and personalized learning.
Practical Focus: Clinics and externships let students engage in real-world legal work under supervision.
Community Engagement: Strong emphasis on serving South Dakota communities, including Native American tribes, veterans, and low-income families.
Law Review & Journals: Students can publish scholarly work and case analyses in USD Law Review and related journals.
Alumni & Faculty
Distinguished Alumni: Many USD Law graduates serve in state courts, as legislators, or in federal government positions.
Faculty Expertise: Professors often have experience as judges, federal defenders, or practicing attorneys, combining theory with real-world insights.
Summary Table
| Category | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1901 |
| Accreditation | ABA-accredited |
| Programs | J.D., Joint Degrees, Certificates |
| Clinics | Veterans, WORKS, Tribal Wills, Criminal Defense |
| Case Law Focus | Guse v. USD, State v. Anderson, Lefors v. Lefors |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Low, personalized attention |
| Community Engagement | Tribal, veteran, and public interest law |
USD Law combines a strong doctrinal foundation with hands-on legal training, preparing students for state and federal practice in criminal law, civil litigation, family law, Native American law, and public interest law.
RELATED Blog
0 comments