Rule 52.21 Privilege in defamation actions

If you file a complaint against a judge, give evidence to the commission, or share information with its investigators, you cannot be sued for defamation because of what you said. The same protection covers documents and arguments presented later to the Iowa Supreme Court, like transcripts, written briefs, and oral arguments.

This rule exists so people feel safe coming forward with concerns about a judge's conduct. Without this protection, witnesses and people making complaints might stay quiet out of fear that the judge or someone else could sue them for saying something false or damaging. As long as statements are made as part of this official process, whether to the commission, its investigators, or the supreme court, the person making them is legally shielded from a defamation lawsuit.