South Dakota's state court system is very simple. At its lowest level are its South Dakota Magistrate's Courts, which hear many types of civil cases, small claims cases, and preliminary hearings in misdemeanor cases. The next level of the South Dakota court system are its Circuit Courts, which hear general civil cases, and those relating to domestic relations, juvenile, real property, torts and contracts. South Dakota's only appeals court is the South Dakota Supreme Court. The South Dakota Unified Judicial System's website, http://www.sdjudicial.com/, provides a great deal of information about South Dakota courts. If you're trying to find information about South Dakota court cases, you can order copies of most South Dakota court documents by mail, or in person at a South Dakota Clerk of Courts office. There is a small charge to run a name search. Information regarding someone's criminal history in South Dakota can also be obtained. See http://www.sdjudicial.com/courtinfo/cricivrecords.aspx for more information. If you're considering representing yourself in a South Dakota court case, there is a 'Guide for Representing Yourself' on the website.