Opinion ID: 1603191
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: standard of review

Text: When evaluating the assessment of costs, our review is for abuse of discretion. Robbennolt v. Snap-On Tools Corp., 555 N.W.2d 229, 238 (Iowa 1996); Dodd v. Fleetguard, Inc., 759 N.W.2d 133, 137 (Iowa Ct.App.2008). An abuse of discretion occurs when a court's exercise of discretion is clearly erroneous. IBP, Inc. v. Burress, 779 N.W.2d 210, 214 (Iowa 2010). In determining whether an abuse of discretion exists with regard to the assessment of costs, we consider the relative success of the parties on the merits. Robbennolt, 555 N.W.2d at 238. Further supporting the standard that success controls the assessment of costs is Iowa Rule of Appellate Procedure 6.1207, which provides that [a]ll appellate fees and costs shall be taxed to the unsuccessful party, unless otherwise ordered by the appropriate appellate court. Rule 6.1207 is consistent with the rules governing assessment of costs in actions before the district courts, as Iowa Code section 625.1 (2007) also provides that [c]osts shall be recovered by the successful against the losing party.