South Dakota - new judge appointed in the smoking ban dispute..

August 12, 2009 - A new judge will preside over the South Dakota smoking ban legal battle. Judge Mark Barnett has been removed from the case and Judge Kathleen Trandahl has been appointed to decide whether the ban should be put on the 2010 ballot.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) requested that Judge Barnett not be part of the smoking ban case. That's because he worked in the Attorney General's office just a few years ago, and the Attorney General's office will be arguing for the Secretary of State's office in the case. And now that that request has been granted, the American Cancer Society also wants to officially be part of the courtroom battle over the smoking ban.

Reference: Smoking Ban Case Gets New Judge, KeloLand.com, 8/11/2009.

Developments - related news briefs:
South Dakota - ACS wants smoking ban passed by legislature to begin ASAP..
South Dakota - opponents of smoking ban gain a delay..;
South Dakota - petition rejected - state smoking ban to take effect..;
South Dakota - Secretary of State's Office still counting disputed signatures on the smoking ban petitions..;
South Dakota - anti-smoking leaders challenge petition..;
South Dakota - smoking ban to start July 1, 2009 may be delayed..;
South Dakota - opponents try to stop extended smoking ban..;
South Dakota - extends smoking ban effective July 1, 2009...