SDCL § 16-12B-1.3: Term of magistrate judges--Removal.

Persons appointed as full-time magistrate judges shall be appointed for a term of four years from and after the date of the approval of the appointment by the Supreme Court subject to any conditions imposed by the Supreme Court. Full-time magistrate judges may be subject to removal upon recommendation of the Judicial Qualifications Commission and the action of the Supreme Court thereon. The Supreme Court may also, in its discretion, refer any matter to the Judicial Qualifications Commission to conduct an investigation and file a report with the court concerning the conduct of any full-time magistrate judge. Persons appointed as part-time magistrate judges shall be appointed by the presiding judge of the circuit court, subject to the approval of the Supreme Court, and shall serve at the pleasure of the presiding judge. Upon termination of any appointment the presiding judge shall forthwith notify the state court administrator thereof. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the Supreme Court's inherent authority to regulate magistrate judges.