Twelve Iowans have applied with the State Judicial Nominating Commission to fill the vacancy on the Iowa Supreme Court that occurred upon the passing of Chief Justice Mark Cady.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded the Iowa Judicial Branch a three-year, $500,000 grant to establish uniform standards for Iowa’s adult problem solving courts and to implement a long-term strategy to create a statewide system of support and accountability. Implementation of the strategy began with the recent hiring of a Statewide Problem Solving Court Coordinator. The strategy also includes the development and implementation of standard data collection and performance measurement policies and the formation of an Iowa problem solving court professionals association that will provide training, create opportunities for collaboration, and assist in the implementation of best practices.
The State Judicial Nominating Commission, which is responsible for selecting nominees for appointment to the Iowa Supreme Court, announced today it will begin accepting applications for the vacancy on the court that occurred when Chief Justice Mark Cady passed away on November 15, 2019. The Commission received notice of the vacancy from Governor Reynolds on November 20, 2019. The Commission has sixty days to send a slate of nominees to the Governor, who makes appointments to the court.
Nominating petitions are now available for individuals who wish to have their names listed on the ballot to fill district judicial nominating commissioner positions that will become vacant January 31, 2020.
Following statutory procedures, the Iowa Supreme Court took measures to ensure the uninterrupted administration of justice in Iowa in the wake of the unexpected passing of Chief Justice Mark Cady on Friday, November 15, 2019.
Today, the Iowa Supreme Court announced the initial steps towards creating the Chief Justice Mark S. Cady Learning Center on the first floor of the Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines. Chief Justice Cady passed away unexpectedly, Friday, November 15.
The Iowa Supreme Court today announced arrangements to honor Chief Justice Mark Cady, who passed away on Friday. A public celebration of life is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, 2019, in the Knapp Center on the Drake University campus, 2601 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, beginning at 10:00 am. The family will greet the public after the service. Members of the public are invited to honor Chief Justice Cady for the significant contributions he made to the Iowa Judicial Branch and judicial independence. Private family services are planned.
The Iowa Judicial Branch is saddened to report that Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady has passed away. He was a wonderful individual and exceptional judge, respected and beloved by his fellow jurists. His passing is a great loss to the court and the state he so loyally served. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Becky and his family.
Statement from the family:
“Tonight, the state lost a great man, husband, father, grandfather, and jurist. Chief Justice Mark Cady passed away unexpectedly this evening from a heart attack. Arrangements are pending.”
The Iowa Supreme Court has selected District Judge Sarah Crane, Des Moines, and District Judge Kurt Stoebe, Fort Dodge, as Iowa Business Specialty Court judges. These judges will join Judge Lawrence P. McLellan, Judge Sean W. McPartland, and Judge John D. Telleen, as business court judges.
Eleven Iowans applied with the State Judicial Nominating Commission to fill the vacancy on the Iowa Court of Appeals that will occur when Judge Amanda Potterfield retires on December 25, 2019.