16-12B-15. Record of proceedings in magistrate court--Stenographic record--Costs--Appeal.Except in small claims proceedings, a verbatim record of all proceedings and evidence at trials before a magistrate court with a magistrate judge presiding shall be maintained either by electrical devices or by stenographic means, as the magistrate may direct. However, if any party to the action requests stenographic reporting of the proceedings, the reporting shall be done stenographically. The requesting party in a civil matter shall pay the costs of reporting the proceedings. If no record is kept, the appeal, if appeal is authorized by law, shall be de novo in circuit court. Source: SL 2003, ch 117, §24.
South Dakota Legal Code