The 2024-2025 term of the Iowa Supreme Court was the third term to feature the set of seven justices currently serving on the court. Our review of various statistical measurements shows certain reliable patterns of data as well as the lack of clear patterns in some instances.
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Iowa Supreme Court addresses standards for achieving service of process upon parties without a permanent residence
In Lucas v. Warhol, the Iowa Supreme Court examined service of process in a matter involving a defendant who might not have been able to get mail due to experiencing homelessness.
Analyzing pre-answer dismissal of claims following alleged student assault, Iowa Supreme Court affirms in part and reverses in part
In Doe v. Western Dubuque Community School District, parents and their child brought claims for loss of consortium, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty against staff members and officials for their child’s school district, as well as the district itself.
February 2025 Opinion Roundup
The Iowa Supreme Court entered opinions in ten cases in February 2025.
Iowa Supreme Court determines second-offense enhancements made criminal sentence illegal for a defendant without a prior conviction under the relevant statute
In State v. Gale, the Iowa Supreme Court reviewed a woman’s second-offense sentences for marijuana and controlled-substance possession when it was actually the first time she had been convicted of these offenses.
FEATURED POSTS
Iowa Supreme Court rules that a one-day release does not require the State to prove a recent overt act before committing a sexually violent predator
The Court heard oral argument in In re Detention of Harlow on September 9 and filed its opinion on October 9. Chief Justice Christensen wrote for the court that unanimously affirmed the district court’s judgment committing Joshua Harlow as a sexually violent predator (SVP).
Iowa Supreme Court affirms the removal of Pottawattamie County supervisor for intoxication at Carson town hall
On September 10, the Iowa Supreme Court heard the oral arguments in the case of State v. Belt and issued its opinion on October 2.
Iowa Supreme Court to hear oral argument about the presumption of innocence October 2 in Iowa City
Is it inherently prejudicial to have a uniformed sheriff’s deputy stand next to the witness box while the defendant testifies?
Iowa Supreme Court considers standards for assessing religious exemptions in special argument session in Spirit Lake
Under what circumstances may a court reviewing a religious university’s decision to deny a religious exemption under the Iowa Civil Rights Act determine whether a student’s religious beliefs are genuine?
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On Brief: Iowa’s Appellate Blog is devoted to appellate litigation with a focus on the Iowa Supreme Court, the Iowa Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.