News Service 

 

The Iowa Judicial Branch welcomes media coverage of the courts.  This section is designed to assist journalists in covering the Iowa state court system.  In this location you can find statewide news releases, the names of court officials at the state and local level to contact when you need assistance covering the courts, general statistical information about the court system, information about audio and video coverage of the courts, and other useful resources.    

  

If you are new to the journalism profession or are unfamiliar with the operation of the courts, we suggest you read the information that follows as well as our Reporter's Guide to the Iowa Court System. 

 

Statements by Judges and Court Personnel 

  

Judges and court staff endeavor to facilitate media coverage of the courts by providing useful, accurate, and timely information about the work of the court system.  However, judicial ethics limit what judges and staff may say about cases and issues.  

  

Judges and staff may explain court procedures in general terms and provide copies of written rulings and orders, but our ethical standards require that judges and staff abstain from commenting on pending cases or litigation likely to come before the courts. The purpose of this restriction is to preserve the impartiality of the courts and to avoid the possibility that the comments of a judge or the judge's staff would affect the outcome of a case.    

  

In addition, Iowa Supreme Court Justices, Iowa Court of Appeals Judges, and their staff must decline to explain or elaborate upon appellate opinions or speculate about the impact of -an opinion.  This is to preserve the authority of the court's written opinion as law and to avoid interpretations or statements that might conflict with or confuse the precise legal meaning of the court's opinion.    

Finally, judges may speak about policy issues regarding the legal system or the administration of justice.  However, they should refrain from announcing views on other public policy issues.   This restriction is also to preserve the integrity and impartiality of the judicial system.

Tip:  Your first contact should be with the designated media contact.  This will save you time and help avoid misunderstandings. 

 

Each judicial district has at least one person designated to serve as a spokesperson and media contact for that district.  In addition, there is a media contact for the Iowa Judicial Branch.  Media contacts can explain court procedures, help you determine case schedules, provide you with basic case statistics and administrative information, and point you in the right direction.  If you're uncertain about how to proceed, please talk with the appropriate media contact first.  They're eager to help.