Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen outlined recommendations Wednesday for the state’s judicial system, including changing the magistrate system and urging lawmakers to increase salaries for judges again.
The bill would remove the most senior judge in the district from the judicial nominating commission. Instead, the governor would be allowed to appoint an additional member. With the addition, the governor would be able to appoint six — or a majority — of the members to each judicial nominating commission.
Shortages of court reporters and contract lawyers also continue to challenge Iowa’s courts, Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen said Wednesday.
Iowans who sue after being struck by a commercial vehicle would be limited to receiving $5 million for pain and suffering.
Iowa attorneys would get paid more to represent indigent defendants to address a severe shortage that’s led to grueling caseloads.
Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Christensen said the judicial branch is working to solve the shortages of court reporters and contract attorneys in order to avoid delayed justice.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird signed on to lawsuits challenging President Joe Biden's administration and Democratic-backed laws during her first day in office Tuesday.
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.”
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