FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Tuesday, February 3, 2015
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215   

 
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Joins South Dakota, Arkansas and Missouri
Traditional Marriage Cases and Sets Expedited Argument

PIERRE, S.D. –  Attorney General Marty J. Jackley announces that the Eighth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals has granted an expedited briefing schedule and set oral argument in the traditional marriage case for the week of May 11th through the 15th in Omaha, Nebraska.  The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has also joined the arguments for South Dakota, Arkansas and Missouri.  The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its Order with the anticipation that the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments on the Sixth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals case upholding the State’s right to define traditional marriage in April, with a final ruling further anticipated in late June.

“It remains the State’s position that the institution of marriage should be defined by the citizens of South Dakota and not the federal courts.  It will be my intent to work with the Attorneys General of Missouri and Arkansas in defending our respective State Constitutions and statutes.   A decision from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals may serve as non-binding precedent in the U.S. Supreme Court and will otherwise establish the federal law for this Circuit in matters not addressed by the United States Supreme Court,” said Marty Jackley.

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