Iowa Constitution Article V - JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT.
Iowa Constitution – Article V: Judicial Department (Summary)
Purpose:
Article V of the Iowa Constitution establishes the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the judicial branch in the state. It defines the organization of courts, the selection and tenure of judges, and the scope of judicial authority.
📜 Key Sections and Provisions:
Section 1: Judicial Power
Judicial power is vested in:
A Supreme Court
A Court of Appeals
District Courts
Other courts as established by law
Section 2: Supreme Court
The Iowa Supreme Court is the highest court.
It consists of one chief justice and six associate justices.
Has appellate jurisdiction and supervisory authority over all other courts.
Section 3: Chief Justice
The Supreme Court selects its own Chief Justice from among the justices.
Section 4: Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court and district courts have judicial power as provided by law.
The legislature may assign original or appellate jurisdiction.
Section 5: District Courts
District courts are trial-level courts.
Judges may handle both civil and criminal cases.
The legislature can set the number of districts and judges.
Section 6: Election and Tenure of Judges
Judges are appointed by the governor from a list of nominees selected by judicial nominating commissions.
After appointment, judges serve a term of one year, then face a retention election.
If retained, Supreme Court justices serve 8-year terms, and district judges serve 6-year terms.
Section 7: Judicial Nominating Commissions
There are state and district-level nominating commissions.
These bodies submit lists of qualified candidates to the governor for judicial appointments.
Section 8: Removal and Discipline
Judges may be removed by:
Impeachment
Legislative address
Judicial qualifications commission (for misconduct or incapacity)
Section 9: Qualifications
Judges must be:
Lawyers licensed in Iowa
Residents of Iowa
Under age 72 (mandatory retirement age)
Section 10: Salaries
Judicial salaries are determined by law and cannot be reduced during a judge's term.
🧾 Summary Significance:
Ensures independence and accountability of the judiciary.
Balances executive appointments with public retention votes.
Provides mechanisms for judicial discipline and removal.
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