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Iowa District Courts are the state trial courts of general jurisdiction in the U.S. state of Iowa.
Contents
They have original jurisdiction in civil cases with any amount in controversy; felony criminal cases, domestic relations, family law, and cases involving minors cases (including adoption, dependency, juvenile delinquency, and probate cases.
Judicial Personnel and Structure
Judicial magistrates primarily serve their home county and have jurisdiction over simple misdemeanors, local infractions, and small claims. They have authority to order warrants, conduct preliminary hearings, and hear other simple issues. Most magistrates are attorneys, though it is not mandated by law. They serve four-year terms and are appointed by county commissions.
Associate juvenile judges only have jurisdiction over juvenile court matters. They are able to issue orders, make findings, and official decisions in juvenile cases, juvenile delinquency cases, adoption, and parental rights issues. They serve six-year terms, and are appointed by district judges for the judicial district after being selected by a county commission.
Associate probate judges have limited jurisdiction to probate cases. They are able to audit accounts, and perform other duties as ordered by the chief judge over the course of their six-year terms. They are appointed by the district court judge after having been selected by a county commission.
District associate judges have the same jurisdiction as judicial magistrates, with additional authority to hear more serious misdemeanors, civil suits up to $10,000, and certain juvenile cases. District associate judges are appointed by the district judge after having been selected by a county commission for a six-year term.
District judges have the authority to hear any case within the district. Felony criminal cases, adoptions, state administration issues, and many other matters come before these judges. These judges are appointed by the governor, from a list of nominees from a state nominating commission. The term for a district judge is six years.
Each county has a clerk of the district court who manages and maintains all trial records in the county.
Court attendants facilitate court proceedings, and aid with clerical work.
Court reporters transcribe all official statements in the courtroom, making the court record.
Juvenile court officers work with youth who are accused of delinquent acts, to oversee the treatment and restitution of the young person in question.
Regions of Jurisdiction
There are 8 judicial districts, each encompassing five or more of Iowa's 99 counties.
Chief Judge: Kellyann M. Lekar
Chief Judge: Kurt L. Wilke
Chief Judge: Duane E. Hoffmeyer
Chief Judge: Jeffrey L. Larson
Chief Judge: Arthur E. Gamble
Chief Judge: Marlita Greve
Chief Judge: [[]]
Chief Judge: Mary Ann Brown