Home > State/Circuit Guides > Iowa

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Detailed Guide: Iowa

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Allows Cameras? No (but can request permission)
Exceptions: Closed proceedings

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Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? Yes
Allows Cell Phones to Record Video? No

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Under Chapter 25 of the Iowa Court Rules, ”Broadcasting, recording, photographing, texting, blogging, or Tweeting real-time electronic coverage of judicial proceedings in a courtroom and adjacent areas is prohibited unless the presiding judicial officer expressly permits coverage in advance of the proceeding. The judge shall allow expanded news media coverage unless the judge concludes that the coverage would materially interfere with the rights of the parties to a fair trial.”

Expanded news media coverage is prohibited in a civil commitment for substance abuse or mental illness, child in need of assistance and termination of parental rights upon order of the court, grand jury proceedings, sexual abuse witnesses, some juvenile cases, jury selection, and conferences between attorneys and clients.

For trials or proceedings, requests for expanded news media coverage must be submitted to the appropriate regional expanded news media coordinator. The media coordinator must then file a Notice of Request with the clerk of court at least seven days in advance.

For Supreme Court and Court of Appeals arguments, requests must be submitted to the appropriate expanded news media coordinator. The media coordinator will then file a written notice with the clerk of the court and must notify all counsel and the presiding judge no later than the Friday immediately preceding the week in which the oral argument is to be held.

No more than five members of the news media using still cameras, television cameras, audio records, and electronic devices are permitted in the courtroom during a proceeding for recording, live streaming, or both.

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Links: Authority
• Iowa Court Rules, Chapter 25: Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage

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Links: Other
• Iowa Judicial Branch: Expanded Media Coverage Overview
• Iowa Judicial Branch: Reporters’ Guide to Iowa Court Systems
• Iowa Courts YouTube and Livestream

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Last edited: December 13, 2022