The writ of habeas corpus may be served by the sheriff, coroner, or any person appointed for that purpose by the court or judge by whom the writ is entered; if served by a person not an officer, he has the same power, and is liable to the same penalty for nonperformance of his duty, as though he were sheriff. Service shall be made by leaving a copy of the order with the person to whom it is directed, or with any of his subordinates who may be at the place where the applicant is detained. If the respondent does not have the applicant imprisoned or restrained in custody, the service may be made upon any person who has the applicant in custody with the same effect as though he had been made a respondent. Concurrent service of the writ of habeas corpus shall be made upon the state’s attorney of the county in which the application is made.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 21-27-9.1

  • Habeas corpus: A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

Source: SL 1983, ch 169, § 8; SL 1984, ch 161, § 1.

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