AMENDMENT TO RULE 34.3


Just seven days after the effective date (February 15, 2002) of new Rule 34.3, the Iowa Supreme Court amended the Rule, effective immediately, to specifically recognize that ethical complaints against Iowa prosecutors may be filed directly with the Iowa County Attorneys Association Prosecutorial Standards and Conduct Committee.  In fact, this has been the practice for more than twenty years, but the procedure has never been endorsed by the Supreme Court.  The Association has, through the persistent efforts of the Standards Committee, long sought this formal recognition.  The amended Rule follows:

Rules of Procedure of the Iowa Supreme Court
Board of Professional Ethics and Conduct


Rule 34.3 Local committees.  Complaints may be filed either with a local bar association or directly with the Board of Professional Ethics and Conduct.  The board may rely on local committees to investigate, forward, or dispose of complaints.  Complaints involving prosecuting attorneys may be filed with or referred to the Prosecutorial Standards and Conduct Committee of the Iowa County Attorneys Association.  If in any case discipline more serious than a private admonition appears warranted, a local committee or the Prosecutorial Standards and Conduct Committee shall submit the matter to the board.


IOWA JUDICIAL BRANCH ANNOUNCES ONLINE ACCESS TO
COURT INFORMATION

www.iowacourtsonline.org

On January 30, the Iowa Judicial Branch began providing online access to statewide basic court information.  Users can search for information by case number, case title, litigant names and attorney names.  Later this year access to more detailed court information will be available for a $25 monthly fee.  Paid subscribers will be able to check trial and hearing dates, judgment liens, and other information.  The service will not include access to documents such as petitions, motions and orders.  However, the Judicial Branch plans to provide online access to court documents as soon as funding allows.

NEXT PAGE