Iowa’s face-to-face court proceedings will return July 13th, but nonjury trials may begin sooner. This week, the Iowa Judicial Branch announced that the supreme court will allow nonjury trials to begin in specific counties if the county courthouse is open to the public and recommended COVID-19 safety protocols are established by state court administration. Jury trials will commence September 14th.

Face-to-face court proceedings have been put on hold due to COVID-19. Only emergency and essential hearings have been held face-to-face. Since March 14, the majority of court proceedings have been conducted by using video- and tele-conferences. Judges, magistrates, and staff have been directed to exercise their judgement and to give priority based on the facts and circumstances of each case.