The State of the Judiciary, 2009

Thank you for inviting me again this year to talk with you about the condition of Iowa’s judicial branch. As your partner in government, we look forward to working with you on issues affecting the administration of justice. If I could capture the condition of our courts, indeed the condition of our state, in a few words, it would be: “We live in challenging times.” No one knows the true meaning of this phrase better than those Iowans hit by natural disasters. But my focus today is, of course, on the courts. Ensuring the delivery of equal, affordable and accessible justice is always challenging work, but it will be especially so this year and the next in light of the State’s budget problems. Given the magnitude of this challenge, it is even more imperative that we work together in the spirit of unity, candor and cooperation. And I address you today in this spirit. We are deeply concerned, as you are, about the present financial situation and its effect on individual Iowans. Naturally, we are particularly troubled about its impact on the delivery of justice to our citizens. Even in good economic times, the administration of justice is difficult to fulfill given the sheer volume and complexity of problems Iowans bring to their courthouses. Because of the effects of the nation’s economic downturn, people will need access to justice now more than ever. We already see this happening. The number of mortgage foreclosure cases in Iowa rose 14% in the past year. Debt collection cases increased 20% in the same time. An increase in these types of cases is predictable in tough economic times, but other types of problems may escalate as well. Some experts fear that a recession may also give rise to more crime, child abuse, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Naturally, for the sake of the people who may be harmed by these problems, we hope they do not occur. If they do, however, these matters will demand our immediate attention.

The State of the Judiciary, 2015

My job today as chief justice is to inform you and all Iowans of the condition of the Iowa Judicial Branch. The judicial branch is accountable to do its work so that Iowans can see the value of its fair and impartial courts. It is accountable every day for the resources it is given and the important responsibilities with which it has been entrusted. We best meet these obligations by becoming the best court system we can be. I am honored to report the progress the judicial branch has made towards becoming the best court system in the nation and the value of this progress for all Iowans. Both my grandfathers were carpenters. Like others who build with their hands, they could look at their work at the end of the day and see progress since the beginning of the day. Building Iowa’s court system consistent with its goals may not reveal progress at the end of every day as easily as the work of a carpenter. It is a long, careful process that requires the hands of many, working every day. But, certain days do come along when progress can be seen and our goals are closer within reach. Again this year, the goals of the judicial branch are to:  Protect Iowa’s children;  Provide full-time access to justice;  Operate an efficient, full-service court system;  Provide faster and less costly resolution of legal disputes;  Remain open and transparent; and  Provide fair and impartial justice for all.

Audit report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2006

Audit report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2006

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2007

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2007

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2008

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2008

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2009

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2009

Proposed Improvement of the Iowa State Capitol Grounds, An Address before the Iowa Chapter American Institute of Architects at the State Historical Buiding, Des Moines, Iowa, October 22, 1913.

Concerning improvements to the State Capitol Grounds including placement of the Allison memorial and Soldiers and Sailor's momuments; removal of heating plant and relieving the state of coal, ashes, gas and smoke; provision of office space to the Adjutant General; an eventual executive mansion; provision of office buildings; and for a Supreme Court building where together with its library auxiliaries will have perpetual growth and constant accessbility; and propose restoration of natural scenic value of the capitol site.

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2010

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2010

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2011

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2011

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2012

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2012

Audit report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2013

Audit report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2013

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2014

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2014

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2015

Report on the Iowa Department of Justice for the year ended June 30, 2015