Iowa
Iowa’s highest court is the Iowa Supreme Court. The court has six justices and one chief justice. The justices on the supreme court elect the chief justice by majority vote, and the term of chief justice corresponds with the term of the justice serving in that capacity. (Source: Iowa Supreme Court)
Judicial Selection
The governor appoints an Iowa Supreme Court justice from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. After at least one year on the court, a justice may stand for an eight-year term in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Iowa’s next general election. Justices may stand for additional terms in the same retention process. When a seat on the court opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 72.
State Constitution
Iowa has had two constitutions adopted in 1846 and 1857. As of January 1, 2024, it had 55 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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Protecting Youth in the Criminal Justice System
A man sentenced to life in prison at 18 years old explains why state laws that funnel kids into the adult system are unjust and short-sighted.
Are State Constitutional Clauses that Strengthen Gun Rights Relevant After Bruen?
States have continued to pursue amendments requiring strict scrutiny for gun restrictions even after the Supreme Court turbocharged the Second Amendment with an originalist approach.
Iowa Lawsuit Tests Boundaries of Legislative Privilege
The state’s highest court will consider whether state legislators can be ordered to produce communications with members of the public in a voting rights case.
In States with Abortion Bans, When Does a Medical Emergency Trigger an Exception?
Doctors have delayed life-saving care out of confusion over exceptions to strict abortion bans. State courts are being asked to clarify the laws.
What the SCOTUS Term Means for State Courts
Some of the Court’s most important holdings — including on abortion, gun restrictions, and presidential immunity — have implications for state courts and constitutions.
Iowa High Court Adds to Confusion Over New Right-to-Bear-Arms Amendment
The court issued a divided decision upholding the state’s gun rights restoration process.
We Need to Know More About State Supreme Court Cases
State high courts interpret laws that impact some of the most intimate parts of our lives. Communities have a right to know what’s on the docket.
State Constitutional Protections for Transgender People After Skrmetti
A review of recent litigation in state courts provides hints about the future of trans rights.