CHAPTER 309
(SCR 06-35)
In the Matter of the Amendment of SDCL 15-6-37(c)
IN THE SUPREME COURT
OF THE
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA
* * * *
IN THE MATTER OF THE AMENDMENT
OF SDCL 15-6-37(c) RULE 06-35
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A hearing was held on February 16, 2006, at Pierre, South Dakota, relating to the
amendment of SDCL 15-6-37(c), and the Court having considered the proposed amendment, the
correspondence and oral presentations relating thereto and being fully advised in the premises,
now, therefore, it is
ORDERED that SDCL 15-6-37(c) be and it is hereby amended to read in its entirety as
follows:
15-6-37(c).
Expenses on failure to admit Failure to disclose--False or misleading
disclosure--Refusal to admit.
(1)
A party that without substantial justification fails to disclose information required by
subdivision 15-6-26(e)(1), or to amend a prior response to discovery as required by
subdivision 15-6-26(e)(2), is not, unless such failure is harmless, permitted to use as
evidence at a trial, at a hearing, or on a motion any witness or information not so
disclosed. In addition to or in lieu of this sanction, the court, on motion and after
affording an opportunity to be heard, may impose other appropriate sanctions. In
addition to requiring payment of reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, caused
by the failure, these sanctions may include any of the actions authorized under
subdivision 15-6-37(b)(2)(A), (B), and (C) and may include informing the jury of the
failure to make the disclosure.
(2)
If a party fails to admit the genuineness of any document or the truth of any matter as
requested under § 15-6-36, and if the party requesting the admissions thereafter proves
the genuineness of the document or the truth of the matter, he the requesting party may
apply to the court for an order requiring the other party to pay him the reasonable
expenses incurred in making that proof, including reasonable attorney's fees. The court
shall make the order unless it finds that:
(1)(A)
The request was held objectionable pursuant to § 15-6-36(a); or
(2)(B)
The admission sought was of no substantial importance; or
(3)(C)
The party failing to admit had reasonable ground to believe that he the
party might prevail on the matter; or
(4)(D)
There was other good reason for the failure to admit.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this rule shall become effective July 1, 2006.
DATED at Pierre, South Dakota, this 17th day of March 2006.