# S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-1: Power of state to maintain actions and proceedings--Prosecution by attorney general or state's attorney

> South Dakota · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-1

## Section

- **Citation:** S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-1
- **Heading:** Power of state to maintain actions and proceedings--Prosecution by attorney general or state's attorney
- **Jurisdiction:** South Dakota
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** SD Code / Title 21 / Chapter 36 / Section 21-36-1

## Text

Whenever the title to any real or personal property, situate in this state, shall fail through defect of heirs and escheat to the state, the state may thereupon maintain any action, suit, or proceeding necessary to recover the possession of any such property, or for the enforcement or protection of its rights thereto, or on account thereof, and may sue with like effect as a natural person. Such action, suit, or proceeding shall be prosecuted by the attorney general or by the state's attorney of the county wherein the property or some part thereof is situated.

Source: SL 1909, ch 104, § 1; RC 1919, § 3049; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 37.4201.

## Nearby sections

- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-1 Power of state to maintain actions and proceedings--Prosecution by attorney general or state's attorney](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-1.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-2 Report by state's attorneys and circuit judges of possible escheats](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-2.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-3 Investigation and bringing of action by attorney general](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-3.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-4 Intervention in probate proceedings in lieu of bringing action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-4.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-5 Direction by Governor for institution of proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-5.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-6 State's attorney to assist on request by attorney general](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-6.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-7 Complaint filed to bring action--Parties defendant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-7.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-8 Allegations required in complaint for escheat](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-8.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-9 Summons filed--Persons to whom directed--Contents](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-9.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-10 Publication of summons and complaint--Personal service--Service by mail](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-10.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-11 Answer to complaint--Reply](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-11.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-12 Receiver appointed on application by state](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-12.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-13 Concurrent remedies by action and participation in probate proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-13.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-14 Retention of jurisdiction by circuit court for payment of claims and conservation of estate--Surrender of property to receiver--Stay of proceedings in circuit court](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.