While most of the nation in the last several years has seen marked deterioration in the economy that is not the case in North Dakota. While it is a small state the  justice system is a vital part of the  North Dakota infrastructure.  SBAND’s Board of Governors approved and appointed a Justice System Energy Impact Task Force in May, 2012, to gather and analyze information regarding the effect of energy development on the  justice system, and provide direction to SBAND and to o state government in addressing justice system needs resulting from energy development.  The Task Force Report has been presented to all three branches of North Dakota’s  state government, and can be accessed on the SBAND website here.