reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4102 - Jurisdiction.

602.4102 Jurisdiction.
1. The supreme court has appellate jurisdiction only in cases in chancery, and constitutes a court for the correction of errors at law. The jurisdiction of the supreme court is coextensive with the state.
2. A civil or criminal action or special proceeding filed with the supreme court for appeal or review may be transferred by the supreme court to the court of appeals by issuing an order of transfer. The jurisdiction of the supreme court in the matter ceases upon the filing of that order by the clerk of the supreme court. A matter which has been transferred to the court of appeals pursuant to order of the supreme court is not thereafter subject to the jurisdiction of the supreme court, except as provided in subsection 4.
3. The supreme court shall prescribe rules for the transfer of matters to the court of appeals. These rules may provide for the selective transfer of individual cases and may provide for the transfer of cases according to subject matter or other general criteria. A rule shall not provide for the transfer of a matter other than by an order of transfer under subsection 2.
4. A party to an appeal decided by the court of appeals may, as a matter of right, file an application with the supreme court for further review.
a. An application for further review in an appeal from a child in need of assistance or termination of parental rights proceeding shall not be granted by the supreme court unless filed within ten days following the filing of the decision of the court of appeals.
b. In all other cases, an application for further review shall not be granted by the supreme court unless the application was filed within twenty days following the filing of the decision of the court of appeals.
5. The court of appeals shall extend the time for filing of an application if the court of appeals determines that a failure to timely file an application was due to the failure of the clerk of the court of appeals to notify the prospective applicant of the filing of the decision.
6. The supreme court shall prescribe rules of appellate procedure which shall govern further review by the supreme court of decisions of the court of appeals. These rules shall contain, but need not be limited to, a specification of the grounds upon which further review may, in the discretion of the supreme court, be granted.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5102, 10201; 98 Acts, ch 1115, §7, 21; 2003 Acts, ch 25, §2; 2006 Acts, ch 1129, §5
Referred to in §602.5103, 602.5106
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4103 - Chief justice.

602.4103 Chief justice.
1. At the first meeting in each odd-numbered year, the justices of the supreme court by majority vote shall designate one justice as chief justice, to serve for a two-year term. A vacancy in the office of chief justice shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by majority vote of the justices of the supreme court, after any vacancy on the court has been filled.
2. If the chief justice desires to be relieved of the duties of chief justice while retaining the status of justice of the supreme court, the chief justice shall notify the governor and the other justices of the supreme court. The office of chief justice shall be deemed vacant, and shall be filled as provided in this section.
3. The chief justice is eligible for reselection.
4. The chief justice shall appoint one of the other justices to act during the absence or inability of the chief justice to act, and when so acting the appointee has all the rights, duties, and powers of the chief justice.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5103, 10201; 2019 Acts, ch 89, §61
Referred to in §602.1101
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4104 - Divisions — full court.

602.4104 Divisions — full court.
1. The supreme court may be divided into divisions of three or more justices in the manner it prescribes by rule. The divisions may hold open court separately and cases may be submitted to each division separately, in accordance with these rules.
2. The supreme court shall prescribe rules for the submission of a case or petition for rehearing whenever differences arise between members of divisions or whenever the chief justice orders or directs the submission of the question or petition for rehearing by the whole court.
3. The supreme court shall prescribe rules to provide for the submission of cases to the entire bench or to the separate divisions.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5104, 10201; 85 Acts, ch 197, §13
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4106 - Opinions — reports.

602.4106 Opinions — reports.
1. The decisions of the court on all questions passed upon by it, including motions and points of practice, shall be specifically stated, and shall be accompanied with an opinion upon those which are deemed of sufficient importance, together with any dissents, which dissents may be stated with or without an opinion. All decisions and opinions shall be in writing and filed with the clerk, except that rulings upon motions may be entered upon the announcement book.
2. The records and reports for each case shall show whether a decision was made by a full bench, and whether any, and if so which, of the judges dissented from the decision.
3. The supreme court may publish reports of its official opinions, or it may direct that publication of the opinions by a private publisher shall be considered the official reports.
4. If the decision, in the judgment of the court, is not of sufficient general importance to be published, it shall be so designated, in which case it shall not be included in the reports, and no case shall be reported except by order of the full bench.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5106, 10201
Referred to in §602.5111
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4107 - Divided court.

602.4107 Divided court.
When the supreme court is equally divided in opinion, the judgment of the court below shall stand affirmed, but the decision of the supreme court is of no further force or authority. Opinions may be filed in these cases.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5107, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4201 - Rules governing actions and proceedings.

602.4201 Rules governing actions and proceedings.
1. The supreme court may prescribe all rules of pleading, practice, evidence, and procedure, and the forms of process, writs, and notices, for all proceedings in all courts of this state, for the purposes of simplifying the proceedings and promoting the speedy determination of litigation upon its merits.
2. Rules of appellate procedure relating to appeals to and review by the supreme court, discretionary review by the courts of small claims actions, review by the supreme court by writ of certiorari to inferior courts, appeal to or review by the court of appeals of a matter transferred to that court by the supreme court, and further review by the supreme court of decisions of the court of appeals, shall be known as “Rules of Appellate Procedure”, and shall be published as provided in section 2B.5B.
3. The following rules are subject to section 602.4202:
a. Rules of civil procedure.
b. Rules of criminal procedure.
c. Rules of evidence.
d.
Rules of appellate procedure 6.101 through 6.105
,
6.601 through 6.603
, and
6.907
.
e. Rules of probate procedure.
f. Juvenile procedure.
g. Involuntary hospitalization of mentally ill.
h. Involuntary commitment or treatment of persons with substance-related disorders.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5201, 10201; 92 Acts, ch 1163, §110; 98 Acts, ch 1115, §8, 21; 2009 Acts, ch 41, §165; 2011 Acts, ch 121, §60, 62; 2012 Acts, ch 1023, §83, 158; 2015 Acts, ch 29, §104
Referred to in §125.94, 229.40, 232.7A, 602.4202, 633.18
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4202 - Rulemaking procedure.

602.4202 Rulemaking procedure.
1. The supreme court shall submit a rule or form prescribed by the supreme court under section 602.4201, subsection 3, or pursuant to any other rulemaking authority specifically made subject to this section to the legislative council and shall at the same time report the rule or form to the chairpersons and ranking members of the senate and house committees on judiciary. The legislative services agency shall make recommendations to the supreme court on the proper style and format of rules and forms required to be submitted to the legislative council under this subsection.
2. A rule or form submitted as required under subsection 1 takes effect sixty days after submission to the legislative council, or at a later date specified by the supreme court, unless the legislative council, within sixty days after submission and by a majority vote of its members, delays the effective date of the rule or form to a date as provided in subsection 3.
3. The effective date of a rule or form submitted during the period of time beginning February 15 and ending February 14 of the next calendar year may be delayed by the legislative council until May 1 of that next calendar year.
4. If the general assembly enacts a bill changing a rule or form, the general assembly’s enactment supersedes a conflicting provision in the rule or form as submitted by the supreme court.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5202, 10201; 85 Acts, ch 197, §14; 98 Acts, ch 1115, §9, 21; 2003 Acts, ch 35, §44, 49
Referred to in §2.42, 2A.4, 232.8, 602.1614, 602.4201, 813.4
Exception for electronic information system temporary rulemaking procedure, see §602.1614
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4301 - Clerk of supreme court.

602.4301 Clerk of supreme court.
1. The supreme court shall appoint a clerk of the supreme court and may remove the clerk for cause.
2. The clerk of the supreme court shall have an office at the seat of government, shall keep a complete record of the proceedings of the court, and shall not allow an opinion filed in the office to be removed. Opinions shall be open to examination and, upon request, may be copied and certified. The clerk promptly shall announce by ordinary or electronic mail to one of the attorneys on each side any ruling made or decision rendered, shall record every opinion rendered as soon as filed, shall send by ordinary or electronic mail a copy of each opinion rendered to each attorney of record and to each party not represented by counsel, and shall perform all other duties pertaining to the office of clerk.
3. The clerk of the supreme court shall collect and account to the state court administrator for all fees received by the supreme court.
4. The clerk of the supreme court shall give bond as provided in chapter 64.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5301, 10201; 2007 Acts, ch 33, §2
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4302 - Deputy clerk — staff.

602.4302 Deputy clerk — staff.
1. The clerk of the supreme court may appoint a deputy clerk of the supreme court. In the absence or disability of the clerk, the deputy shall perform the duties of the clerk.
2. The clerk of the supreme court may employ necessary staff, as authorized by the supreme court.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5302, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4303 - Supreme court fees.

602.4303 Supreme court fees.
1. The supreme court shall by rule prescribe fees for the services of the court and clerk of the supreme court.
2. If any of the fees are not paid in advance, execution may issue for them, except for fees payable by the county or the state.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5303, 10201; 98 Acts, ch 1115, §10, 21
Fee schedule,
R.App.P. 6.703
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4304 - Supreme court staff.

602.4304 Supreme court staff.
1. The supreme court may appoint attorneys or graduates of a reputable law school to act as legal assistants to the justices of the supreme court.
2. The supreme court may employ other professional and clerical staff as necessary to accomplish the judicial duties of the court.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5304, 10201; 98 Acts, ch 1115, §11
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.4305 - Limitation on expenses.

602.4305 Limitation on expenses.
A justice of the supreme court may choose whether to reside at the seat of government or elsewhere. The court administrator may approve necessary travel and actual expenses, incurred by a justice of the supreme court for attendance at oral arguments and judicial conferences, not to exceed the maximum amount established by the supreme court pursuant to section 602.1509.
83 Acts, ch 186, §5305, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5102 - Judges — quorum.

602.5102 Judges — quorum.
1. The court of appeals consists of nine judges; three judges of the court of appeals constitute a quorum.
2. Judges of the court of appeals shall be nominated and appointed and shall stand for retention in office as provided in chapter 46. Judges of the court of appeals shall qualify for office as provided in chapter 63.
3. A person appointed as a judge of the court of appeals must satisfy all requirements for a justice of the supreme court.
4. The court of appeals may be divided into divisions of three or more judges in a manner as it may prescribe by rule. The divisions may hold open court separately and cases may be submitted to each division separately in accordance with rules the court may prescribe. The rules shall provide for submitting a case or petition for rehearing or hearing en banc at the direction of the chief judge or at the request of a specified number of judges designated in the rules. The court of appeals shall prescribe all rules necessary to provide for the submission of cases to the whole court or to a division.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6102, 10201; 83 Acts, ch 204, §11, 12; 98 Acts, ch 1184, §2, 4
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5103 - Jurisdiction.

602.5103 Jurisdiction.
1. The jurisdiction of the court of appeals is coextensive with the state. The court of appeals has appellate jurisdiction only in cases in chancery, and constitutes a court for the correction of errors at law.
2. The court of appeals has subject matter jurisdiction to review the following matters:
a. Civil actions and special civil proceedings, whether at law or in equity.
b. Criminal actions.
c. Postconviction remedy proceedings.
d. A judgment of a district judge in a small claims action.
3. The jurisdiction of the court of appeals with respect to actions and parties is limited to those matters for which an appeal or review proceeding properly has been brought before the supreme court, and for which the supreme court pursuant to section 602.4102 has entered an order transferring the matter to the court of appeals.
4. The court of appeals and judges of the court may issue writs and other process necessary for the exercise and enforcement of the court’s jurisdiction, but a writ, order, or other process issued in a matter that is not before the court pursuant to an order of transfer issued by the supreme court is void.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6103, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5104 - Sessions — location.

602.5104 Sessions — location.
The court of appeals shall meet at the seat of state government and elsewhere as the court orders, and at the times specified by order of the court.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6104, 10201; 99 Acts, ch 144, §6
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5105 - Chief judge.

602.5105 Chief judge.
1. At the first meeting in each odd-numbered year the judges of the court of appeals by majority vote shall designate one judge as chief judge, to serve for a two-year term. A vacancy in the office of chief judge shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by majority vote of the judges of the court of appeals, after any vacancy on the court has been filled.
2. The chief judge shall supervise the business of the court and shall preside when present at a session of the court.
3. If the chief judge desires to be relieved of the duties of chief judge while retaining the status of judge of the court of appeals, the chief judge shall notify the chief justice and the other judges of the court of appeals. The office of chief judge shall be deemed vacant, and shall be filled as provided in this section.
4. In the absence of the chief judge, the duties of the chief judge shall be exercised by the judge next in precedence. Judges of the court of appeals other than the chief judge have precedence according to the length of time served on that court. Of several judges having equal periods of time served, the eldest has precedence.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6105, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5106 - Decisions of the court — finality.

602.5106 Decisions of the court — finality.
1. The court of appeals may affirm, modify, vacate, set aside, or reverse any judgment, order, or decree of the district court or other tribunal which is under the jurisdiction of the court, and may remand the cause and direct the entry of an appropriate judgment, order, or decree, or require further proceedings to be had as is just. If the judges are equally divided on the ultimate decision, the judgment, order, or decree shall be affirmed.
2. A decision of the court of appeals is final and shall not be reviewed by any other court except upon the granting by the supreme court of an application for further review as provided in section 602.4102. Upon the filing of the application, the judgment and mandate of the court of appeals is stayed pending action of the supreme court.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6106, 10201; 2006 Acts, ch 1129, §6
Referred to in §602.5108
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5107 - Rules.

602.5107 Rules.
The court of appeals, subject to the approval of the supreme court, may prescribe rules for the conduct of business of the court of appeals. Rules prescribed shall not abridge, enlarge, or modify a substantive right.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6107, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5108 - When decisions effective.

602.5108 When decisions effective.
A decision of the court of appeals shall be in writing, and shall be effective, except as provided in section 602.5106, subsection 2, when the decision of the court is filed with the clerk of the supreme court.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6108, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5109 - Process — style — seal.

602.5109 Process — style — seal.
1. Process of the court of appeals shall be styled: “In the Court of Appeals of Iowa”.
2. The supreme court may adopt a seal for the court of appeals. Upon adoption, the clerk of the supreme court shall file a facsimile and description of the design in the office of the secretary of state. Judicial notice shall be taken of the official seal of the court of appeals.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6109, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5110 - Records.

602.5110 Records.
The records of the court of appeals shall be kept by the clerk of the supreme court, and at the same place as, but segregated from the records of the supreme court. Records of the court of appeals shall be maintained in the same manner as records of the supreme court under article 4.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6110, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5111 - Publication of opinions.

602.5111 Publication of opinions.
The state court administrator shall cause the publication of opinions of the judges of the court of appeals in accordance with rules prescribed by the supreme court. Section 602.4106 applies to decisions of the court of appeals. The state court administrator shall cause the publication of abstracts of all decisions for which written opinions are not published.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6111, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5112 - Fees — costs.

602.5112 Fees — costs.
Costs to be collected and awarded in the court of appeals shall be as prescribed from time to time by the supreme court. Fees and costs may be awarded to a party to the appeal in the discretion of the court of appeals. A fee shall not be charged for the docketing of a matter in the court of appeals upon transfer from the supreme court.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6112, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5201 - Clerk of court.

602.5201 Clerk of court.
1. The clerk of the supreme court or a deputy of that clerk shall act as clerk of the court of appeals. The clerk of the court of appeals shall keep a complete record of the proceedings of that court, shall collect the fees and costs prescribed by the supreme court, and shall account for all receipts and disbursements of the court of appeals.
2. The clerk of the supreme court, subject to the approval of the supreme court, may employ additional staff for the performance of duties relating to the court of appeals.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6201, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5203 - Law clerks.

602.5203 Law clerks.
The court of appeals may employ attorneys or graduates of a reputable law school to act as legal assistants to the court.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6203, 10201; 83 Acts, ch 204, §13; 97 Acts, ch 128, §1
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5204 - Physical facilities.

602.5204 Physical facilities.
The state court administrator shall obtain suitable facilities for the court of appeals at the seat of state government. To the extent practicable, the court administrator shall utilize existing supreme court facilities.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6204, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.5205 - Limitation on expenses.

602.5205 Limitation on expenses.
1. Each judge of the court of appeals shall be provided personal office space and equipment, and facilities for a secretary and law clerk at the seat of state government only. Each judge may choose whether to reside at the seat of government or elsewhere. The court administrator may approve necessary travel and actual expenses, incurred by a judge of the court of appeals for attendance at oral arguments and judicial conferences, not to exceed the maximum amount established by the supreme court pursuant to section 602.1509.
2. Offices may be provided for court of appeals judges or employees at any place other than the seat of state government with the approval of the supreme court within the funds available to the judicial branch.
83 Acts, ch 186, §6205, 10201; 94 Acts, ch 1127, §1; 98 Acts, ch 1047, §57
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6101 - Unified trial court.

602.6101 Unified trial court.
A unified trial court is established. This court is the “Iowa District Court”. The district court has exclusive, general, and original jurisdiction of all actions, proceedings, and remedies, civil, criminal, probate, and juvenile, except in cases where exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction is conferred upon some other court, tribunal, or administrative body. The district court has all the power usually possessed and exercised by trial courts of general jurisdiction, and is a court of record.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7101, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6102 - Appeals and writs of error.

602.6102 Appeals and writs of error.
The district court has jurisdiction in appeals and writs of error taken in civil and criminal actions and special proceedings authorized to be taken from tribunals, boards, or officers under the laws of this state, and has general supervision thereof, in all matters, to prevent and correct abuses where no other remedy is provided.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7102, 10201
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6103 - Court in continuous session.

602.6103 Court in continuous session.
The district court of each judicial district shall be in continuous session for all of the several counties comprising the district.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7103, 10201; 92 Acts, ch 1164, §3
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6104 - Judicial officers.

602.6104 Judicial officers.
1. The jurisdiction of the Iowa district court shall be exercised by district judges, district associate judges, associate juvenile judges, associate probate judges, and magistrates.
2. Judicial officers of the district court shall not sit together in the trial of causes nor upon the hearings of motions for new trials. They may hold court in the same county at the same time.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7104, 10201; 99 Acts, ch 93, §6
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6105 - Places of holding court — magistrate schedules.

602.6105 Places of holding court — magistrate schedules.
1. Courts shall be held at the places in each county maintaining space for the district court as designated by the chief judge of the judicial district, except that the determination of actions, special proceedings, and other matters not requiring a jury may be done at some other place in the district with the consent of the parties. For the purposes of this subsection, contiguous counties which have entered into an agreement to share costs pursuant to section 331.381, subsection 16, paragraph “b”, shall be considered as one unit for the purpose of conducting all matters except as otherwise provided in this subsection.
2. In any county having two county seats, court shall be held at each county seat.
3. a. The chief judge of a judicial district shall designate times and places for magistrates to hold court to ensure accessibility of magistrates at all times throughout the district. The schedule of times and places of availability of magistrates and any schedule changes shall be disseminated by the chief judge to the peace officers within the district.
b. (1) The chief judge of a judicial district shall schedule a magistrate to hold court in a city other than the county seat if all of the following apply:
(a) Magistrate court was regularly scheduled in the city on or after July 1, 2001.
(b) The population of the city is at least two times greater than the population of the county seat or the population of the city is at least thirty thousand.
(c) The city requests the chief judge to schedule magistrate court.
(2) In addition to paying the costs in section 602.1303, subsection 1, the city requesting the magistrate court shall pay any other costs for holding magistrate court in the city which would not otherwise have been incurred by the judicial branch.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7105, 10201; 92 Acts, ch 1164, §4; 2003 Acts, ch 151, §33; 2013 Acts, ch 30, §261; 2015 Acts, ch 138, §70, 161, 162
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6106 - Sessions not at county seats — effect — duty of clerk.

602.6106 Sessions not at county seats — effect — duty of clerk.
When court is held at a place that is not the county seat, all of the provisions of the Code relating to district courts are applicable, except as follows: All proceedings in the court have, within the territory over which the court has jurisdiction, the same force and effect as though ordered in the court at the county seat, but transcripts of judgments and decrees, levies of writs of attachment upon real estate, mechanics’ liens, lis pendens, sales of real estate, redemption, satisfaction of judgments and mechanics’ liens, and dismissals or decrees in lis pendens, together with all other matters affecting titles to real estate, shall be certified by the clerk’s designee to the clerk of district court at the county seat who shall immediately enter them upon the records at the county seat.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7106, 10201; 90 Acts, ch 1233, §36
Referred to in §602.8102(87)
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6107 - Reorganization of judicial districts and judicial election districts.

602.6107 Reorganization of judicial districts and judicial election districts.
1. The supreme court shall, beginning January 1, 2012, and at least every ten years thereafter, review the division of the state into judicial districts and judicial election districts in order to determine whether the composition or the total number of the judicial districts and judicial election districts is the most efficient and effective administration of the district court and the judicial branch.
2. If the supreme court determines that the administration of the district court and the judicial branch would be made more efficient and effective by reorganizing the judicial districts and judicial election districts, which may include expanding or contracting the total number of judicial districts and judicial election districts, the supreme court shall develop and submit to the general assembly by November 15 a plan that reorganizes the judicial districts and judicial election districts. The legislative services agency shall draft a bill embodying the plan for submission by the supreme court to the general assembly. The general assembly shall bring the bill to a vote in either the senate or the house of representatives within thirty days of the bill’s submission by the supreme court to the general assembly, under a procedure or rule permitting no amendments by either house except those of a purely corrective nature. If both houses pass the bill, the bill shall be presented as any other bill to the governor for approval. The bill shall take effect upon the general assembly passing legislation, which is approved by the governor including an effective date for the reorganization of the judicial districts and judicial election districts.
3. The composition of the judicial districts in section 602.6107, Code 2003, and judicial election districts in section 602.6109, Code 2003, shall remain in effect until a new division of the state into judicial districts and judicial election districts is enacted.
4. It is the intent of the general assembly that the supreme court prior to developing a plan pursuant to this section consult with and receive input from members of the general public, court employees, judges, members of the general assembly, the judicial departments of correctional services, county officers, officials from other interested political subdivisions, and attorneys. In submitting a plan pursuant to this section, the supreme court shall also submit to the general assembly a report stating the reasons for developing the plan and describing in detail the process used in developing the plan.
5. Nothing in this section or other provision of the Code shall be construed to preclude the general assembly or the judicial branch from proposing or considering a plan reorganizing the judicial districts and judicial election districts at any time.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7107, 10201; 2003 Acts, ch 35, §46, 49; 2003 Acts, ch 151, §34
Referred to in §602.6109
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6108 - Reassignment of personnel.

602.6108 Reassignment of personnel.
The chief justice of the supreme court shall assign judicial officers and court employees from one judicial district to another, on a continuing basis if need be, in order to handle the judicial business in all districts promptly and efficiently at all times.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7108, 10201
Referred to in §602.6201, 602.6305, 602.6404, 602.7103C, 633.20C
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6109 - Judicial election districts and judgeships.

602.6109 Judicial election districts and judgeships.
1. The reorganized judicial election districts established pursuant to section 602.6107 shall be used solely for purposes of nomination, appointment, and retention of judges of the district court.
2. If the judicial election districts are reorganized under section 602.6107, the state court administrator shall reapportion the number of judgeships to which each judicial election district is entitled. The reapportionment shall be determined according to section 602.6201, subsection 3.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7109, 10201; 2003 Acts, ch 151, §35
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6110 - Peer review court.

602.6110 Peer review court.
1. A peer review court may be established in each judicial district to divert certain juvenile offenders from the criminal or juvenile justice systems. The court shall consist of a qualified adult to act as judge while the duties of prosecutor, defense counsel, court attendant, clerk, and jury shall be performed by persons twelve through seventeen years of age.
2. The jurisdiction of the peer review court extends to those persons ten through seventeen years of age who have committed misdemeanor offenses, or delinquent acts which would be misdemeanor offenses if committed by an adult, who have admitted involvement in the misdemeanor or delinquent act, and who meet the criteria established for entering into an informal adjustment agreement for those offenses. Those persons may elect to appear before the peer review court for a determination of the terms and conditions of the informal adjustment or may elect to proceed with the informal or formal procedures established in chapter 232.
3. The peer review court shall not determine guilt or innocence and any statements or admissions made by the person before the peer review court are not admissible in any formal proceedings involving the same person. The peer review court shall only determine the terms and conditions of the informal adjustment for the offense. The terms and conditions may consist of fines, restrictions for damages, attendance at treatment programs, or community service work or any combination of these penalties as appropriate to the offense or delinquent act committed. A person appearing before the peer review court may also be required to serve as a juror on the court as a part of the person’s sentence.
4. The chief judge of each judicial district which establishes a peer review court shall appoint a peer review court advisory board. The advisory board shall adopt rules for the peer review court advisory program, shall appoint persons to serve on the peer review court, and shall supervise the expenditure of funds appropriated to the program. Rules adopted shall include procedures which are designed to eliminate the influence of prejudice and racial and economic discrimination in the procedures and decisions of the peer review court.
89 Acts, ch 262, §1; 97 Acts, ch 126, §44; 98 Acts, ch 1100, §77
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6111 - Identification information filed with the clerk.

602.6111 Identification information filed with the clerk.
1. Any party, other than the state or a political subdivision of the state, filing a petition or complaint, answer, appearance, first motion, or any document filed with the clerk of the district court which brings a new party into a proceeding shall provide the clerk of the district court with the following information when applicable:
a. An employer identification number if a number has been assigned.
b. The birth date of the party.
c. The social security number of the party.
2. Any party, except the child support recovery unit, filing a petition, complaint, answer, appearance, first motion, or any document with the clerk of the district court to establish or modify an order for child support under chapter 236, 252A, 252K, 598, or 600B shall provide the clerk of the district court with the date of birth and social security number of the child.
3. A party shall provide the information pursuant to this section in the manner required by rules or directives prescribed by the supreme court. The clerk of the district court shall keep a social security number provided pursuant to this section confidential in accordance with the rules and directives prescribed by the supreme court.
93 Acts, ch 171, §18; 94 Acts, ch 1171, §49; 98 Acts, ch 1170, §17; 2003 Acts, ch 151, §36
Referred to in §252B.24
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6113 - Apportionment of certain judicial officers — substantial disparity.

602.6113 Apportionment of certain judicial officers — substantial disparity.
Notwithstanding section 602.6201, 602.6301, 602.6304, 602.7103B, or 633.20B, if a vacancy occurs in the office of a district judge, district associate judge, associate juvenile judge, or associate probate judge, and the chief justice of the supreme court makes a finding that a substantial disparity exists in the allocation of such judgeships and judicial workload between judicial election districts, the chief justice may apportion the vacant office from the judicial election district where the vacancy occurs to another judicial election district based upon the substantial disparity finding. However, such a judgeship shall not be apportioned pursuant to this section unless a majority of the judicial council approves the apportionment. This section does not apply to a district associate judge office authorized by section 602.6302 or 602.6307.
2011 Acts, ch 78, §3
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6202 - Jurisdiction.

602.6202 Jurisdiction.
District judges have the full jurisdiction of the district court, including the respective jurisdictions of district associate judges and magistrates. While exercising the jurisdiction of magistrates, district judges shall employ magistrates’ practice and procedure.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7202, 10201
Referred to in §657A.11
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6301 - Number and apportionment of district associate judges.

602.6301 Number and apportionment of district associate judges.
There shall be one district associate judge in counties having a population of more than thirty-five thousand and less than eighty thousand; two in counties having a population of eighty thousand or more and less than one hundred twenty-five thousand; three in counties having a population of one hundred twenty-five thousand or more and less than one hundred seventy thousand; four in counties having a population of one hundred seventy thousand or more and less than two hundred fifteen thousand; five in counties having a population of two hundred fifteen thousand or more and less than two hundred sixty thousand; six in counties having a population of two hundred sixty thousand or more and less than three hundred five thousand; seven in counties having a population of three hundred five thousand or more and less than three hundred fifty thousand; eight in counties having a population of three hundred fifty thousand or more and less than three hundred ninety-five thousand; nine in counties having a population of three hundred ninety-five thousand or more and less than four hundred forty thousand; ten in counties having a population of four hundred forty thousand or more and less than four hundred eighty-five thousand; and one additional judge for every population increment of thirty-five thousand which is over four hundred eighty-five thousand in such counties. However, a county shall not lose a district associate judgeship solely because of a reduction in the county’s population. If the formula provided in this section results in the allocation of an additional district associate judgeship to a county, implementation of the allocation shall be subject to prior approval of the supreme court and availability of funds to the judicial branch. A district associate judge appointed pursuant to section 602.6302 or 602.6307 shall not be counted for purposes of this section and the reduction of a district associate judge pursuant to section 602.6303 also shall not be counted for purposes of this section.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7301, 10201; 94 Acts, ch 1127, §2; 96 Acts, ch 1068, §1; 98 Acts, ch 1047, §58; 98 Acts, ch 1115, §12; 2003 Acts, ch 151, §40; 2006 Acts, ch 1060, §1
Referred to in §602.6113, 602.6304
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6303 - Appointment of magistrates in lieu of district associate judge.

602.6303 Appointment of magistrates in lieu of district associate judge.
1. The chief judge of the judicial district may designate by order of substitution that three magistrates be appointed pursuant to this section in lieu of the appointment of a district associate judge under section 602.6304, subject to the following limitations:
a. The substitution shall not result in the judicial district receiving more magistrates than are authorized under the magistrate formula in section 602.6401.
b. The substitution shall be approved by the supreme court.
c. A majority of district judges in that judicial election district, or in the case of an appointment involving more than one judicial election district in the same judicial district, a majority of the district judges in each judicial election district, must vote in favor of the substitution and find that the substitution will provide more timely and efficient performance of judicial business within that judicial election district.
2. An order of substitution shall not take effect unless a copy of the order is received by the chairperson of the county magistrate appointing commission or commissions and the governor no later than May 31 of the year in which the substitution is to take effect. The order shall designate the county of appointment for each magistrate. A copy of the order shall also be sent to the state court administrator.
3. For a county in which a substitution order is in effect, the number of district associate judges actually appointed pursuant to section 602.6304 shall be reduced by one for each substitution order in effect.
4. Except as provided in subsections 1 through 3, a substitution shall not increase or decrease the number of district associate judges authorized by this article.
5. If a majority of the district judges in a judicial election district determines that a substitution is no longer desirable, then all three magistrate positions shall be terminated. However, a reversion pursuant to this subsection shall not take effect until the terms of the three magistrates expire. Upon the termination of the magistrate positions created under this section, an appointment shall be made to reestablish the term of office for a district associate judge as provided in sections 602.6304 and 602.6305.
2006 Acts, ch 1060, §2; 2022 Acts, ch 1033, §6
Referred to in §602.6301, 602.6401, 602.6403
Subsection 2 amended
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6304 - Appointment and resignation of district associate judges.

602.6304 Appointment and resignation of district associate judges.
1. The district associate judges authorized by sections 602.6301 and 602.6302 shall be appointed by the governor from persons nominated by the district judicial nominating commission in the same manner as district judges under chapter 46.
2. A district associate judge who seeks to resign from the office of district associate judge shall notify in writing the governor, the chief judge of the judicial district, and the state commissioner of elections as to the district associate judge’s intention to resign and the effective date of the resignation.
3. When a vacancy occurs or will occur within one hundred twenty days in the office of the district associate judge, the state commissioner of elections shall forthwith so notify the governor. The governor shall call a meeting of the commission within ten days after such notice. If the governor fails to do so, the chief justice shall call such meeting.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7304, 10201; 86 Acts, ch 1015, §4; 98 Acts, ch 1115, §13; 2003 Acts, ch 151, §41, 64; 2022 Acts, ch 1033, §7
Referred to in §602.2301, 602.6113, 602.6303
Section stricken and rewritten
2023 Iowa Code › Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES › Chapter 602 - JUDICIAL BRANCH › Section 602.6305 - Term, retention, qualifications.

602.6305 Term, retention, qualifications.
1. District associate judges shall serve initial terms and shall stand for retention in office within the judicial election districts of their residences at the judicial election under sections 46.16 through 46.24.
2. A person does not qualify for appointment to the office of district associate judge unless the person is at the time of appointment licensed to practice law in Iowa and will be able, measured by the person’s age at the time of appointment, to complete the initial term of office prior to reaching age seventy-two. A nominee to the office of district associate judge must reside in the judicial election district to which the nominee is nominated or in a contiguous county to the judicial election district to which the nominee is nominated.
3. A district associate judge must be a resident of the judicial election district in which the office is held before assuming office and during the entire term of office. A district associate judge shall serve within the judicial district in which appointed, as directed by the chief judge, and is subject to reassignment under section 602.6108.
4. District associate judges shall qualify for office as provided in chapter 63 for district judges.
83 Acts, ch 186, §7305, 10201; 86 Acts, ch 1015, §5; 89 Acts, ch 114, §2; 89 Acts, ch 212, §2; 89 Acts, ch 296, §83; 2003 Acts, ch 151, §42; 2004 Acts, ch 1101, §83, 99, 102; 2011 Acts, ch 78, §4; 2022 Acts, ch 1033, §8
Referred to in §602.6303
Subsections 2 and 3 amended