Des Moines, September 28, 2016— On Thursday, October 13, the Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Spencer, Iowa. The proceeding will take place in the Old Spencer Middle School auditorium, 104 E 4th Street. The oral arguments are open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m.
The court will hear attorneys argue in the following case:
State of Iowa v. Daimonay Darice Richardson, case no. 14-1174, from Linn County District Court
The Iowa Code mandates a restitution award of at least $150,000 to the victim's heirs in a felony death case. In this case, Richardson, as a juvenile, pled guilty to murder in the 2nd degree and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $150,000. Richardson claims on appeal that the restitution amount violates the excessive fines clause of article I, section 17, of the Iowa Constitution and alternatively that the district court abused its discretion in imposing a fine of such amount. Richardson also claims that imposing mandatory fines on juveniles constitutes cruel and unusual punishment under the Iowa Constitution.
Attorneys' briefs for the case, the court of appeals decision, and a guide to oral arguments are posted on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
A public reception with the supreme court justices will follow the oral arguments in the school gymnasium.
Note to Editors: News media are invited to attend the oral arguments. Court rules apply regarding still camera, video camera, audio recording devices, and other electronic devices used during the oral arguments. Information on expanded media coverage is available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
The Iowa Court Rules regarding cameras and other electronic devices in courtrooms are downloadable from the Iowa Legislature website (PDF)
For More Information:
Steve Davis, Court Communications Director, (515)725-8058 or steve.davis@iowacourts.gov
Iowa Supreme Court
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-3952