Articles Tagged: Iowa Judicial Branch

6th Judicial District Judge David Cox, who has juggled two jobs and leadership roles, looks forward to focusing on one job and serving his community.

FERTILITY FRAUD: The House voted 90-5 to approve HF 2160 to establish a crime of fourth-degree sexual abuse when a …

The pandemic contributed to the time it took to dispose of cases, but the state court administrator said the need for more judges continues to be a larger factor. Based on national and judges’ workloads, Iowa should have an additional 24 district court judges. As a result, the percentage of cases pending in Iowa courts after 12 months exceeds national standards for felonies, dissolution, paternity and custody cases, probate and civil cases.

Subpoenas are expected to be issued early next week as part of the investigation into conduct that led Gov. Kim Reynolds to reject two nominees for an open judgeship. The committee is seeking documents and testimony from people involved the judicial nominating process.

A proposal to enable parents to start legal proceedings against schools or educators who distribute books or materials the parents deem obscene advanced Wednesday at the Iowa Capitol. Also advancing was a bill that would require Iowa, ISU and UNI sports teams to schedule games against each other.

Under a proposal approved by the Iowa House Judiciary Committee, a person could be compelled to testify against a spouse who allegedly threatened them or a third party or if communications were disclosed to a third party.

Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen tells legislators “the court system is 100 percent fully operational, but we are continuing some practices adopted on an emergency basis” to keep proceedings moving “without jeopardizing health or conflicting with their work schedules.”

Both of the judges recently appointed to the bench in Eastern Iowa grew up in rural counties and have experience as prosecutors.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Masks will continue to be required in Iowa courtrooms and some proceedings may continue to be held via teleconference under orders issued Monday by the Iowa Supreme Court chief justice.

IOWA CITY (AP) — An Iowa judge accused of

Sixth Judicial District Judge Mary Chicchelly included in top 3 for upcoming Iowa Court of Appeals vacancy. This is the second time Chicchelly has been a nominee for this court.

A Linn County judge has ordered a Cedar Rapids contractor to pay $40,000 as part of a settlement for improper asbestos removal during renovations at Washington High School in 2014 and 2015.

Iowa Freedom of Information Council Executive Director Randy Evans called the decision disappointing and said he hopes the Iowa Legislature revises the statute to benefit patients.

Robert Gast, a Fort Dodge native, has been named the state court administrator for the Iowa Judicial Branch.