South Dakota high court rejects Janklow appeal

Bill Janklow The South Dakota Supreme Court has rejected former South Dakota Congressman Bill Janklow's appeal to overturn his convictions in the death of a motorcyclist in 2003.

The high court released its decision Thursday, stating that Janklow received a fair trial. The court also said there was enough evidence to convict him.

Janklow, 65, was convicted of second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, speeding, and running a stop sign in the death of motorcyclist Randolph Scott, 55, of Hardwick, Minnesota, in August 2003 in South Dakota.

As a result of the conviction, Janklow was sentenced to 100 days in jail and ordered to pay $11,000 in fees and fines. He began his jail term February 7. In his appeal, Janklow argued that there wasn't enough evidence to prove he was reckless at the time of the crash.

Months earlier, a federal judge ruled that Janklow was on duty when he ran a stop sign on a rural road and caused the deadly collision with Scott. That means that taxpayers would have to pick up the tab for any civil damages in a wrongful-death lawsuit.

According to law enforcement officials, on August 16, 2003 Janklow was driving a Cadillac at more than 70 mph on a county road in eastern South Dakota when he ran a stop sign and collided with Scott, who was riding his Harley-Davidson on a road that did not have a stop sign. Scott died at the scene.

Janklow was a first-term congressman, who had served 16 years as South Dakota's governor. He also served as the state attorney general. Scott was a farmer, Vietnam veteran, volunteer firefighter and former American Legion post commander.

The Janklow crash has focused attention on a nationwide problem related to offenders who get off with light sentences after killing or seriously injuring others on the road. The AMA has launched a new Justice for All campaign that advocates legislation establishing tougher penalties for traffic offenses and criminal actions on the road that result in serious injuries or death.

The Justice for All campaign will include cooperation with state and local motorcycling organizations, efforts by AMA Community Councils, and a variety of opportunities for individual motorcyclists and concerned citizens to become involved. For more information on the Justice for All program, click here.

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