Judiciary of Iowa

The Court holds its regular sessions in Des Moines in the Iowa Judicial Branch Building located at 1111 East Court Avenue on the state Capitol grounds just south of the Iowa State Capitol.

[2] Justices are appointed by the governor from a list of nominees submitted by the State Judicial Nominating Commission.

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

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

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.

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