How COVID-19 could make a lasting impact on Iowa's judicial system
Good morning,
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for Iowa’s Judicial Branch, but it also offered an opportunity to reexamine how courts conduct their business.
That was a theme of Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen’s Condition of the Judiciary speech Wednesday morning.
Christensen said the courts had to change normal procedures many times throughout the pandemic, making moves like allowing some hearings to take place entirely by videoconference. The judicial branch is now broadly reviewing rules and procedures, and some of the pandemic changes could become permanent.
My colleague William Morris, who covers courts for the Des Moines Register, has you covered on the highlights from Christensen's address here.
The week of speeches will conclude today when Maj. Gen. Benjamin Corell delivers his Condition of the Guard address in the House Chamber at 10 a.m.
This is Ian, signing off to finish knotting up my tie and head to the Capitol for the final day of the first week of session. If you have any comments, questions or tips feel free to reach out at irichardson@registermedia.com.
Lawmakers may be taking Friday off, but we'll have more first-week coverage for you over the next few days. If you know someone who wants to keep up to date on the latest, encourage them to subscribe to this newsletter here.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How COVID-19 could make a lasting impact on Iowa's judicial system
