Strengthening a Modern Judiciary with Chief Justice Robert A. Miller

Chief Justice Robert A. Miller was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2025 in recognition of his decades of service to the state and his transformative leadership of South Dakota’s judicial system. Serving fifteen years on the South Dakota Supreme Court, including eleven as Chief Justice, Miller is remembered for modernizing the courts, strengthening judicial independence, and insisting on clarity, ethics, and public trust.

A Path of Independence

Chief Justice Miller did not originally plan to become a lawyer. “I wanted to become an agricultural engineer,” he recalled. That plan changed at the urging of his father, who believed independence mattered. “He insisted that I go to law school. And I did.”

While attending law school, Miller worked full-time as the office manager for the resident engineer of the Highway Department, helping to oversee the construction of Interstate 29. With the support of his employers and professors, he successfully balanced work and school. “They were really good about that,” he said. “And I’m very grateful.”

Miller began his legal career as an assistant attorney general before entering private practice in Philip. In 1971, he was appointed to the circuit court, later joining the South Dakota Supreme Court in 1986. Though surprised by the appointment, he embraced the responsibility. “I didn’t want people to have to guess what I said when I wrote it,” he explained. Clear reasoning and transparency became hallmarks of his judicial writing.

Four years later, his colleagues elected him Chief Justice, a role he held for eleven years.

Modernizing the Courts

As Chief Justice, Miller recognized that many parts of South Dakota’s judicial system had remained unchanged since statehood. “I got acquainted with judiciaries in other states and saw what they were doing,” he said. “And I thought that would be a good idea for South Dakota.”

Among the most significant changes was restructuring the court system by eliminating county judges and expanding the authority of circuit judges. The reform improved efficiency, reduced delays, and modernized how justice was administered statewide.

Championing Inclusion and Understanding

Chief Justice Miller worked to expand opportunities within the judiciary. He actively supported women judges, including appointing Judge Judith Meierhenry as presiding judge before she became the first woman on the South Dakota Supreme Court.

He also prioritized building respectful relationships between state and tribal courts. “I felt that the tribal judges weren’t getting the respect they were entitled to,” he said. By initiating joint judicial conferences and collaboration, Miller helped foster understanding and reduce long-standing tensions. “It helped improve relations all the way around,” he reflected.

Mentorship, Ethics, and Civic Duty

Throughout his career, Miller emphasized mentorship and civic education. He worked closely with Boys State and helped launch a Supreme Court program for Girls State. “I wanted them to understand that there’s no magic to my title,” he said. “I’m just a regular guy.”

Ethics guided his work. “If you don’t like the rules, get away from it,” he said. “But ethically, you’ve got to abide by the rules.” He credits his father for instilling those values early and carrying them into every role he held.

When asked about standout cases, Miller declined to rank them. “Every case was important,” he said. “It was to the parties involved.” That perspective defined his approach to justice.

Reflecting on his Hall of Fame induction, Miller described the honor as deeply humbling. “I’m so proud. I’m so happy,” he said. “I want my family to be proud too.”

Chief Justice Robert A. Miller’s story is a testament to integrity, independence, and service to democracy. 

Watch the full interview with Chief Justice Robert A. Miller, hosted by Angela Kennecke, 2021 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, below to hear his reflections in his own words.