Iowa Code of Judicial Conduct – 2026
Chapter 51 of the Iowa Court Rules, the Iowa Code of Judicial Conduct, numbered 51:1.1 through 51:4.5 under four canons: upholding the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary; performing judicial duties impartially, competently and diligently; conducting personal and extrajudicial activities to minimize conflict with judicial office; and refraining from inconsistent political or campaign activity. Each rule carries the court's official comment.
Browse all 38 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Canon 1: A Judge Shall Uphold and Promote the Independence, Integrity, and Impartiality of the Judiciary and Shall Avoid Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety
Canon 2: A Judge Shall Perform the Duties of Judicial Office Impartially, Competently, and Diligently
Rule 51:2.1
Giving Precedence to the Duties of Judicial Office
Rule 51:2.2
Impartiality and Fairness
Rule 51:2.3
Bias, Prejudice, and Harassment
Rule 51:2.4
External Influences on Judicial Conduct
Rule 51:2.5
Competence, Diligence, and Cooperation
Rule 51:2.6
Ensuring the Right to Be Heard
Rule 51:2.7
Responsibility to Decide
Rule 51:2.8
Decorum, Demeanor, and Communication with Jurors
Rule 51:2.9
Ex Parte Communications
Rule 51:2.10
Judicial Statements on Pending and Impending Cases
Rule 51:2.11
Disqualification
Rule 51:2.12
Supervisory Duties
Rule 51:2.13
Administrative Appointments
Rule 51:2.14
Disability and Impairment
Rule 51:2.15
Responding to Judicial and Lawyer Misconduct
Rule 51:2.16
Cooperation with Disciplinary Authorities
Canon 3: A Judge Shall Conduct the Judge’s Personal and Extrajudicial Activities to Minimize the Risk of Conflict with the Obligations of Judicial Office
Rule 51:3.1
Extrajudicial Activities in General
Rule 51:3.2
Appearances Before Governmental Bodies and Consultation with Government Officials
Rule 51:3.3
Testifying as a Character Witness
Rule 51:3.4
Appointments to Governmental Positions
Rule 51:3.5
Use of Nonpublic Information
Rule 51:3.6
Affiliation with Discriminatory Organizations
Rule 51:3.7
Participation in Educational, Religious, Charitable, Fraternal, or Civic Organizations and Activities
Rule 51:3.8
Appointments to Fiduciary Positions
Rule 51:3.9
Service as Arbitrator or Mediator
Rule 51:3.10
Practice of Law
Rule 51:3.11
Financial, Business, or Remunerative Activities
Rule 51:3.12
Compensation for Extrajudicial Activities
Rule 51:3.13
Acceptance of Gifts, Loans, Bequests, Benefits, or Other Things of Value
Rule 51:3.14
Reimbursement of Expenses and Waivers of Fees or Charges
Canon 4: A Judge or Candidate for Judicial Office Shall Not Engage in Political or Campaign Activity That Is Inconsistent with the Independence, Integrity, or Impartiality of the Judiciary
Rule 51:4.1
Political and Campaign Activities of Judges and Judicial Candidates in General
Rule 51:4.2
Political and Campaign Activities of Judicial Candidates in Retention Elections
Rule 51:4.3
Activities of Candidates for Appointive Judicial Office
Rule 51:4.4
Campaign Committees
Rule 51:4.5
Activities of Judges Who Become Candidates for Nonjudicial Office