Iowa Supreme Court, Marriage Case, docket No. 07-1449.

In a unanimous decision, the Iowa Supreme Court today held that the Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution. The decision strikes the language from Iowa Code section 595.2 limiting civil marriage to a man and a woman. It further directs that the remaining statutory language be interpreted and applied in a manner allowing gay and lesbian people full access to the institution of civil marriage.

Iowa Supreme Court Improvement Project for Child in Need of Assistance Cases: Annual Report and Proposed Policy Revisions.

The first part of a three year plan to evaluate and recommend improvements to Iowa's Juvenile Courts.

Iowa Supreme Court Improvement Project for Child in Need of Assistance Cases: A Study of Iowa's Court Performance in Child Abuse and Neglect Cases and Plan for Improvement.

A report of a one year assessment of Iowa's Juvenile Courts handling of Child in Need of Assistance cases and a plan for improvement.

Iowa Supreme Court Improvement Project for Child in Need of Assistance Cases: A Plan for Improvement of Iowa's Court Performance in Child Abuse and Neglect Cases.

A plan for improvement of Iowa's Juvenile Courts handling of Child in Need of Assistance cases. A brief report focusing on just the plan for improvement pulled from the main report: A Study of Iowa's Court Performance in Child Abuse and Neglect Cases and Plan for Improvement.

Guide to Iowa's Court System, 2005

A in-depth description of the court system in Iowa.

Charting the Future of Iowa's Courts, 1996

A description of the direction that the court system in Iowa needs to follow to ensure future success.

Courts at a Glance, For Everyone From Students to Seniors.

A brief description of the courts system in the United States and in Iowa.

State of the Judiciary, 2008.

Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court Marsha Ternus' presentation of the state of the Judiciary in Iowa.

State of the Judiciary, 2007.

Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court Marsha Ternus' presentation of the state of the Judiciary in Iowa.

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.

Pieces of Iowa’s Past, April 4, 2012

Pieces of Iowa’s Past, published by the Iowa State Capitol Tour Guides weekly during the legislative session, features historical facts about Iowa, the Capitol, and the early workings of state government. All historical publications are reproduced here with the actual spelling, punctuation, and grammar retained. April 4, 2012 THIS WEEK: Dating an Epoch from Photographs. BACKGROUND: Iowa State Capitol Grounds Extension Project The Capitol extension project began about 1913. The purpose of the project was to purchase land surrounding the Capitol in order to improve the beauty of the grounds and obtain enough land to build new structures and alleviate the overcrowding in the Capitol. Senate File 538 levied a tax to pay for the purchase of the property. Van Buren and Wapello counties filed a suit against the state because it was believed by many people that this statewide tax was simply providing Des Moines with a “new park.” This case was argued before the Iowa Supreme Court and the photographs that follow are a portion of the brief filed with the Court.

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.

Iowa Court Rules, 4th ed.

The Fourth Edition of the Iowa Court Rules, adopted by the supreme court November 9, 2001, effective February 15, 2002, is published pursuant to Iowa Code section 2B.5(2). Supplements to the loose-leaf compilation will be prepared and distributed as the rules are amended by the court.

Iowa Court Rules, 4th ed.

The Fourth Edition of the Iowa Court Rules, adopted by the supreme court November 9, 2001, effective February 15, 2002, is published pursuant to Iowa Code section 2B.5(2). Supplements to the loose-leaf compilation will be prepared and distributed as the rules are amended by the court.

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.