Iowa District Courts

Judicial magistrates primarily serve their home county and have jurisdiction over simple misdemeanors, local infractions, and small claims.

They are able to audit accounts, and perform other duties as ordered by the chief judge over the course of their six-year terms.

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.

Felony criminal cases, adoptions, state administration issues, and many other matters come before these judges.

Juvenile court officers work with youth who are accused of delinquent acts, to oversee the treatment and restitution of the young person in question.

After annual studies and reporting, in 2016, the Supreme Court made the pilot program permanent.

A map of Iowa with the eight judicial districts superimposed upon the state.
No county lines are crossed by the state judicial districts, accounting for irregular shapes and sizes