South Dakota Codified Laws 26-7A-90. Evidence heard at dispositional hearing–Interim decree–Final decree
After adjudication, the court shall conduct dispositional hearings and consider evidence regarding proper disposition of the child best serving the interests of the child with due regard to the rights and interests of the child’s parents, guardian, custodian, other parties respondent, the public, and the state. Dispositional evidence may include social study reports, mental and medical examination and evaluation reports, homestudy investigation reports, and any other evidence related to appropriate disposition of the child.
Following the dispositional hearing, the court shall issue an interim decree of disposition. During the dispositional phase, the court shall balance the rights and interests of the child and the respective parties, including the public and the state.
Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 26-7A-90
- Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- written: include typewriting and typewritten, printing and printed, except in the case of signatures, and where the words are used by way of contrast to typewriting and printing. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
On completion of the final dispositional hearing, the court shall issue findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a final decree of disposition. Written findings of fact and conclusions of law are only required in delinquency or child in need of supervision dispositional proceedings if there is a contested evidentiary hearing or if the disposition is a commitment to the Department of Corrections. The decree is the final order of the court for the purpose of an appeal by any party according to the rules of procedure governing civil appeals.
Source: SDC 1939, § 43.0327 as added by SL 1968, ch 164, § 16; SL 1991, ch 217, § 81B; SDCL, § 26-8-22.11; SL 2021, ch 117, § 2.