In the Balance Release Fifth Episode
In the Balance, Iowa's Judicial Branch podcast has released its fifth episode featuring an interview with the newest supreme court justice, Matthew McDermott.
Iowa Judicial Branch warns of a collection notice scam
Iowa clerks of courts are responding to people who have received collection notices that falsely claim to be from the Iowa Judicial Branch or a clerk of court. The letters warn the individuals that if payments are not made to the 1-800 number on the notice, the person’s driver's license would be suspended and an arrest warrant may be issued. The public should be aware that these notices are a scam and are not from the Iowa Judicial Branch.
Iowa Supreme Court to hear December oral arguments remotely
The Iowa Supreme Court continues to carefully monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing the need to take measures to reduce the spread of the virus with its commitment to conducting business as necessary. Accordingly, justices and attorneys will conduct December's oral arguments by video conference. Whether January's oral arguments will be conducted by video conference will be determined at a later time. As usual, the oral arguments will be live streamed on the Iowa Courts YouTube channel.
Notice of Pending Elections for State Judicial Nominating Commissioners
Nominating petitions are now available for individuals who wish to have their names listed on the ballot to fill state judicial nominating commissioner positions with terms that will expire on June 30, 2021.
In the Matter of the February 2021 Iowa Bar Examination
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding the February 2021 Iowa Bar Examination.
https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/covid-19-information-and-updates/
In the Balance Podcast Releases Fourth Episode
In the Balance, Iowa's Judicial Branch podcast has released its fourth episode discussing how Iowa's trial and appellate courts work in unison to help Iowans find resolutions to their disputes.
COVID-19 Information and Updates
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding further actions taken in response to COVID-19.
https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/covid-19-information-and-updates/
Judge Anderson Named Chief Judge of Sixth Judicial District
Chief Justice Susan Christensen has appointed District Judge Lars G. Anderson, Iowa City, as chief judge of the Sixth Judicial District. Judge Anderson succeeds Chief Judge Patrick Grady who will retire December 31, 2020. Judge Anderson will begin the position of chief judge January 1, 2021.
Judge Drew Named Chief Judge of Second Judicial District
Chief Justice Susan Christensen has appointed District Court Judge James M. Drew, Hampton, as chief judge of the Second Judicial District. Judge Drew succeeds Chief Judge Kurt Wilke who will retire December 31, 2020. Judge Drew will begin the position of chief judge January 1, 2021.
Iowa Supreme Court Postpones Jury Trials until February 2021
Today, the Iowa Supreme Court issued an order postponing all jury trials until February 1, 2021, unless the jury is sworn in prior to November 16, 2020. Clerk of court offices throughout the state will remain open and nonjury trials and face-to-face court proceedings and services will continue.