PIERRE, S.D, (KELO) -- Public trust in state courts is important and must be maintained, according to South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen. That was the theme of his annual State of the Judiciary address to a joint session of the Legislature on Wednesday. Chief Justice Jensen spoke about improving access to the courts, establishing a statewide indigent-defense system that will handle appeals of major criminal cases, helping people without lawyers participate in the legal process, improving rehabilitation outcomes for people on probation or parole, the importance of treatment courts, and increasing courthouse and judicial security. Remembering Joe Floyd, broadcasting and cable pioneer Currently, county governments are responsible for indigent defense in South Dakota. The new state Office of Indigent Defense will initially be responsible for providing court-appointed legal services in appeals of cases involving crimes, habeas corpus, and abuse and neglect of children. The chief justice said the new approach will save an estimated $600,000 annually that counties have been paying and they will eventually see a $2.1 million savings. Adding state-funded indigent defense at the trial-court level could help counties that now lack enough lawyers, Jensen said. "The Sixth Amendment right to counsel for those unable to afford an attorney in criminal cases is important to all South Dakotans and furthers public trust and confidence in the courts," Jensen said. "Maintaining a strong system of indigent defense is what makes us different from other countries where the rule of law is not respected or upheld," he continued. "The commitment to an effective indigent defense system not only ensures adequate representation for the accused, but it also makes certain that our standards for due process are truly maintained." The chief justice closed the speech by thanking the court's four other justices -- Janine Kern,Mark Salter, Patty DeVaney, and Scott Myren -- and expressed his appreciation for their work in leading and setting the vision for the court system in South Dakota. "It is truly a joint effort," he said, noting that all came from small rural communities. "Allfive of us are South Dakotans at heart. As such, we are dedicated to leading a court system worthy of the faith and trust of every South Dakotan. I am grateful for your support in this mission."