Iowa Judicial Branch 2020 Annual Report, January 12, 2021

(2021) Iowa Judicial Branch 2020 Annual Report, January 12, 2021. Judicial Branch

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Abstract

Many restrictions were put in place and government buildings closed but, through it all, the court system did not shut down. All 101 clerks of court offices remained open for Iowans with emergency matters and our judicial officers conducted many court proceedings remotely. Iowa courts were able to remain open and operating—safely—because of the dedication, support, and guidance of many people. Our judges utilized technology to hold court remotely. Clerks and their staff rotated shifts, some working from home to limit the possible spread of the virus and others working in the courthouses for emergencies and essential cases. Juvenile court officers found new ways to maintain meaningful supervision of the juveniles in their charge. And because most all of these new and vital ways to keep the judicial branch operating at maximum capacity required the use of technology, the Judicial Branch Information Technology professionals were around the state installing the tools needed to safely serve the public.