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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Iowa Judicial Branch has launched interactive small claims forms statewide, the second set of Iowa Interactive Court Forms. Interactive forms are filled automatically with answers from an online questionnaire. Previously, the branch released a set of interactive forms for dissolutions that do not involve minor or dependent adult children. The latest release of interactive forms is for citizens filing small claims actions.
The justices and judges of the Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals will participate in the Mark S. Cady Day of Public Service today. The Cady Day of Service is dedicated to the late Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady with the intent to bring the Iowa legal community together to honor and to celebrate the life and legacy of Justice Cady and his commitment to public service, access to justice, and civil rights.
Iowa voters can find information about the professional qualifications and background of every judge standing for retention in the November 3 general election on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
I am truly saddened by the passing of Justice Ginsburg. On this day, one cannot help but reflect on her many accomplishments and marvel at her dedication to individual rights and the rule of law. As a woman in a legal community dominated by men, she was a true pioneer and a strong, clear voice for the rights of women and other underrepresented groups. The country is indebted to Justice Ginsburg for her work to champion civil rights and her service as a justice of the United States Supreme Court. I will miss her deeply and wish comfort to her family. May she rest in peace.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) issued an order on September 4, 2020, temporarily halting residential evictions of tenants for not paying rent or making a housing payment to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.