In the Balance

 This month on In The Balance, we welcome Alison Jepsen, Deputy Director of Judicial Education and Development. She discusses training for judicial officers, preparing them to excel as new judges.  Website: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts   Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8 

This month on the In the Balance podcast, our guest is retired Iowa Supreme Court Justice Bruce Zager. He shares personal insights from his legal career and offers thoughtful suggestions for new attorneys.Website: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts   Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8 

This month, the In The Balance podcast hosts Iowa Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Tabor and Staff Attorney Cassie Bonefas. We talk all about the reasons for taking the court on the road and the responses they receive from the communities they visit. Host: Abhash ShresthaGuests: Chief Judge Mary Tabor and Cassie BonefasWebsite: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts   Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8  

This month, the In The Balance podcast hosts Magistrates Beth Tiggis and A. Eric Neu. They serve Polk and Carroll counties respectively. We discuss the expectations and preparation required to represent yourself in courts.  Host: Abhash ShresthaFirst guest: Magistrate Beth TiggesSecond guest: Magistrate A. Eric NeuWebsite: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts   Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8 

This month, In The Balance podcast hosts Judge Brent Pattison, Associate Judge for District 5C. He shares his perspective on the adoption process and its impact on the families involved.Host: Abhash ShresthaGuest: Judge Brent PattisonWebsite: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts   Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8 

This month, the In The Balance Podcast hosts Chris Kunej, Director of the Language Access Services Office for the Iowa Judicial Branch. We talk about the important role of interpreters in the Iowa court system and what makes their role an essential service.  Host: Abhash Shrestha Guest: Chris Kunej Website: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts   Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8 

This month, the In The Balance Podcast hosts Leo Landis. He is the State Curator of the State Historical Society of Iowa as well as the Museum Curator of State Historical Museum of Iowa. We discuss the people and stories behind Iowa's three constitutional conventions. You can find more information about the 1857 Iowa Constitutional Convention” here.Host: Abhash ShresthaGuest: Leo LandisWebsite: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts   Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8 

This month, In The Balance Podcast hosts Dr. Roxann Ryan. Dr. Ryan began practicing law in the Iowa Attorney General's Criminal Appeals Division in 1980 and has been involved with numerous state agencies and legal associations.  She is also an adjunct instructor at Drake Law School, Simpson College and University of Northern Iowa.Host: Abhash ShresthaGuest: Dr. Roxann RyanDownload ISBA PowerPoint : Celebrating Trailblazing Women in the Lawhttps://www.iowabar.org/docDownload/2388278Website: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts   Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8 

This month, the In The Balance Podcast hosts Jessica Taylor, director of Boards and Commissions for the Office of Professional Regulation, which oversees a grant program that helps fund organizations that provide legal assistance to low-income Iowans with civil legal problems. Host: Abhash Shrestha Guest: Jessica Taylor  Website: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts  Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8 

 This month, I spoke with magistrate Christin Skilton, the magistrate in Chickasaw County. We discussed her role, her service and her motivation working for the Iowa Judicial Branch. Host: Abhash Shrestha Guest: Magistrate Christin SkiltonWebsite: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts  Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8

This month, I spoke with Savannah Hanning, the trial court supervisor in Linn County. We discussed her career and her experiences working in the Iowa Judicial Branch. Host: Abhash Shrestha Guest: Savannah Hanning  Website: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts  Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8

This month, I had a fascinating chat with Tim Eckley, who works as the assistant counsel for the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court. We talked about the free Iowa court forms available on the Iowacourts.gov website, and how they are the essential tools for people in court without an attorney.Host: Abhash Shrestha Guest: Timothy Eckley  Court Forms: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/court-forms/ Website: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts  Music: Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings Logo Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3 Item ID:                         XUG4BU3 Author Username:                 Oasis_Music Licensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT Registered Project Name:         In the Balance Podcast License Date:                    January 17th, 2024 Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8

This month I spoke with Iowa Supreme Courts senior law clerk Anna Stoeffler. We discussed her educational journey, her decision to go to law school, and what to expect when pursuing a law career. Host: Abhash ShresthaGuest: Anna Stoeffler, Senior Law Clerk to Chief Justice Christensen. Website: www.iowacourts.govYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourtsMusic:Item Title:                      Inspirational Strings LogoItem URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3Item ID:                         XUG4BU3Author Username:                 Oasis_MusicLicensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch ITRegistered Project Name:         In the Balance PodcastLicense Date:                    January 17th, 2024Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8

 Welcome back. In this episode of in the balance we focus on the benefits of the Iowa Business Court. I spoke to Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Waterman and Business Court Judge David Nelmark to discuss how the business court moves complex commercial litigation cases through the court system more expeditiously, lowering costs for litigants and the court system.  Host: Abhash Shrestha Guest: Thomas Waterman, Iowa Supreme Court Justice Guest: David Nelmark, Business Court Judge Website: www.iowacourts.gov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702 X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts  MusicItem Title:                      Inspirational Strings LogoItem URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3Item ID:                         XUG4BU3Author Username:                 Oasis_MusicLicensee:                        State of Iowa Judicial Branch ITRegistered Project Name:         In the Balance PodcastLicense Date:                    January 17th, 2024Item License Code:               AY7ZT3DRG8

A quick update: this will be my last month hosting the In the Balance podcast for the Iowa Judicial Branch. I will be turning the reins over to our new host and producer, Abhash, in January, so keep your eyes and ears out for those exciting new developments. For my last podcast interview, I wanted to introduce one of the newest members to the Iowa Judicial Branch, Megan Tooker, Counsel to the Chief Justice.Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Megan Tooker, Counsel to the Chief JusticeMusic from The Epic 2 by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

This month I am going to walk you through the evolution of the Iowa court system, taking us through the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.Host: Marissa GaalMusic from The Epic 2 by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

Welcome back. This month I chatted with Tre Critelli, executive director of the office of professional regulation, about the functions and duties of his office's work with Iowa's attorneys and how that work protects Iowans who come into contact with the judicial system.Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Tre Critelli, Executive Director of the The Office of Professional RegulationMusic from The Epic 2 by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In honor of Constitution Day on September 14, In the Balance is releasing an early episode on the topic of Gideon v. Wainwright, a federal supreme court decision celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Chief Justice Susan Larson Christensen, Iowa Supreme CourtMusic from The Epic 2 by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This month I spoke with Richard Lyford, who has worked with the Iowa Judicial Branch over the past 20 years to collect and record personal oral histories from past Iowa supreme court justices and judges. To learn more about his work preserving Iowa's judicial history, keep listening.You can watch past Iowa justices and judges oral histories here.Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Richard Lyford

Welcome back. This month I spoke with Richard Gordon, Iowa's statewide treatment courts coordinator, about his role in the many treatment courts in our state.Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Richard Gordon, Iowa Statewide Coordinator for Treatment CourtsMusic from The Epic 2 by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

This month I sat down with Justice David May, the most recent appointment to the Iowa Supreme Court. To learn more about his journey to the bench, keep listening.Host: Marissa GaalGuests: David May, Iowa Supreme Court JusticeMusic from The Epic 2 by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

May marked the 20th anniversary of the Iowa Judicial Branch building's opening. In honor of the anniversary, I sat down with Rebecca Colton and David Boyd, two past Iowa Judicial Branch employees who were a part of the building process from start to finish.Host: Marissa GaalGuests: Rebecca Colton, retired Iowa Supreme Court Executive Assistant, and David Boyd, retired Iowa State Court AdministratorMusic from The Epic 2 by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

This month I connected with the Iowa Appellate Clerk of Court, Donna Humpal, to discuss what a day in her life looks like, as well as how her role and clerk's office resembles and differs from the county clerks offices.Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Donna Humpal, Iowa Appellate Clerk of CourtMusic from The Epic 2 by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In recognition of Women's History Month, I went looking for women throughout Iowa's history to cover for this episode. As it turns out, Iowa is not lacking for strong, influential women who have left their mark on the state's judicial and legal systems. Last year we covered the life of Arabella Mansfield, the first white woman admitted to the Iowa State Bar in 1869. This year, I want to highlight the first black woman admitted to the Iowa State Bar, and one of the founding members of the National Bar Association: Gertrude E. Rush. Host: Marissa GaalMusic from The Epic 2 by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In recognition of Black History Month this February, I spoke with sculptor James Ellwanger, the artist behind the Shattering Silence sculpture which decorates the Iowa Judicial Branch Building's west lawn. This sculpture is a memorial to Iowa's progressive civil rights history and where it all began, with the case of Ralph Montgomery, a former Missouri slave granted his freedom in Iowa, in 1839. Host: Marissa GaalGuest: James EllwangerMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This episode we are focusing on the important work of our county courthouses clerks of court. I spoke with Jackie Myers, the clerk of court for Des Moines and Henry Counties, as well as Donna Geery, the District 2 assistant court administrator, to learn more about the day-to-day duties of a county clerk of court, and how they work together in each of their judicial districts. Host: Marissa GaalGuests: Jackie Myers and Donna Geery Music from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This month we are highlighting an essential role in Iowa's Judicial system: the court reporter. I spoke with Laura McFall, a court reporter out of District 8 and a past president of the Court Reporter's Association, and Bob Gast, State Court Administrator, to discuss the duties of a court reporter and the integral role they play in the judicial system. Host: Marissa GaalGuests: Laura McFall, court reporter, and Bob Gast, State Court AdministratorMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This month we are discussing electronic search warrants. In 2017, the Iowa Legislature amended Iowa Code Chapter 808 to allow the transmission for and issuance of search warrants by electronic means. In April 2018, the Iowa State Court Administrator established the Electronic Search Warrants Advisory Committee. Amidst the pandemic in April 2020, the electronic search warrant pilot project began in District 4, expanding to counties in districts 1, 2, and 6, before the pilot went statewide in September 2022.Host: Marissa GaalGuests: Judge James Malloy, District 2, and Deputy Seth McCrea, BooneMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This month I spoke with District 6 Judge Kevin McKeever about Iowa's jury service. To learn more about the history of jury service, what the selection process looks like, and the rights upheld by jury service in our country, keep listening. Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Judge Kevin McKeever, District 6Music from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This month, in recognition of the upcoming Constitution Day, celebrated on September 17 every year, I sat down with Justice Dana Oxley to discuss the difference between the Iowa Constitution and Federal Constitution. Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Iowa Supreme Court Justice Dana OxleyMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This month I spoke with Juvenile Court Officer Chris Castrey about what a typical day might look life for a JCO in the 7th judicial district. To learn more about what the position of a juvenile court officer entails, keep listening. Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Chris Castrey, Juvenile Court OfficerMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This month we are breaking down the Iowa Judicial Branch budget, which was approved earlier this month. I sat down with State Court Administrator Bob Gast to discuss the budget process, from proposal to approval, and how the money will support the judicial branch's mission to administer justice under law equally to all persons. Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Bob Gast, State Court AdministratorMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Welcome back to another episode of In the Balance, the Iowa Judicial Branch podcast. Today, we are going to walk through some important information and interesting features available on our website, iowacourts.gov.Host: Marissa GaalLinksLatest News: https://www.iowacourts.gov/newsroom/news-releases/News Releases: https://www.iowacourts.gov/announcements/FAQs:https://www.iowacourts.gov/faq/Interactive Court Forms: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/representing-yourself/iowa-interactive-court-forms/Iowa Courts: https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/Educational Resources: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/educational-resources-and-services/Contact Us: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/contact-us/Music from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Welcome back. This month I spoke with Judge Patrick McElyea about what a typical day might look like for a district court judge in the seventh judicial district. Learn about the types of cases a district court judge can hear, the differences between a bench trial and jury trial, and what fills a judge's time when they aren't on the bench.Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Judge Patrick McElyea, District 7 District Court JudgeMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this month's episode, I am sitting down with District 4 Court Administrator Laura Kyndesen to talk about her experience as a clerk of court, a district court administrator, and how distributive workload processing between counties is not only streamlining work for judicial employees but improving court services for Iowans as well.Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Laura Kyndesen, District 4 Court Administrator

In recognition of Black History Month, this episode will be covering the first case heard by our state's supreme court, back when Iowa was still a territory. Iowa has a long-standing history of upholding civil rights, often preceding federal civil rights laws by decades. Iowa's first cast, In the Matter of Ralph, was also its first civil rights case. Music from The Epic 2  by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Music From Inspiring Noir Piano Waltz by MusicLFilesLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/8785-inspiring-noir-piano-waltzLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Welcome back to another episode, and our first of 2022. On January 13th of this year, Chief Justice Susan Larson Christensen gave the Condition of the Judiciary to a joint audience of the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives from the Capitol building in Des Moines. To explore the topics covered in this year's condition of the judiciary and 2021's annual report, I sat down with Bob Gast, the judicial branch's state court administrator, and District 1 Chief Judge Kellyann Lekar.Host: Marissa GaalGuests: Bob Gast, State Court Administrator, and Chief Judge Kellyann LekarMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Budget Request: https://www.iowacourts.gov/static/media/cms/FY_23_Budget_Request_Overview_A6942C5F3C9D6.pdfBudget Letter: https://www.iowacourts.gov/static/media/cms/Budget_Letter_112921_08A663070AA0E.pdf2021 Annual Report: https://www.iowacourts.gov/static/media/cms/202122_Annual_Report_FINAL_A8214596B0B85.pdfText of the Speech: https://www.iowacourts.gov/static/media/cms/2022_SOJ__version_FINAL_WITH_COVER_038BA32658F09.pdf

This month to honor Veterans Day, I sat down with Judge Tod Deck and Judge Jeffrey Poulson to discuss their work in the District 3 Veterans Specialty Court. To hear more about how this specialty court got its start and the important work it does, keep listening.Host: Marissa GaalGuests: Judge Todd Deck and Judge Jeffrey Poulson, District 3Music from The Epic 2  by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In September's episode, we sat down with court of appeals judge Michael Mullins out of Washington, Iowa. To learn about his nontraditional path to the bench, the effect his background in social work had on his approach to his legal practice, and the case that left a lasting impact on him over the course of his career, keep listening.Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Judge Michael Mullins, Iowa Court of AppealsMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

October is Pro Bono Month, and in honor of this, I sat down with Shelley Whitcher and Brynne Howard to discuss Iowa's Access to Justice Commission and the new 2022 Pro Bono Pledge for Iowa attorneys. If you are an attorney in Iowa wanting to pledge 22 hours of pro bono work in 2022, visit the site below.https://www.drake.edu/law/alumni/events/markscadydayofpublicservice/Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Shelley Whitcher, Deputy Director of Iowa Legal and Access to Justice Commission Vice-Chair, and Brynne Howard, Iowa Legal Aid Volunteer Lawyers & Pro Bono Projects Managing AttorneyMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This is a special episode, as it marks our one-year anniversary of In The Balance. I want to say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to listen over the past year. In honor of Constitution Day next month, we are spending this episode sitting down with Justice Brent Appel of the Iowa Supreme Court to talk about the roles the Iowa and United States Constitution play in the appellate court system. Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Justice Brent Appel, Iowa Supreme CourtMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

For this month's episode, I sat down with Justice Christopher McDonald, who was appointed to the supreme court in April of 2019. To learn more about his path to the bench, his views on the benefits of clerkship, and his thoughts on being the first person of color appointed to the highest court in Iowa, keep listening. Host: Marissa GaalGuest: Justice Christopher McDonald, Iowa Supreme CourtMusic from The Epic 2  by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This month I had the pleasure of talking to Daniel Saar from the Iowa Professional Regulation office about the Iowa Bar Exam. To learn more about how the bar exam has changed during the time of COVID-19, how it will evolve in the coming years, and Dan's advice for the upcoming July bar exam, keep listening. Music from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

Welcome back. In this month’s episode, we are exploring the important work of Iowa’s family treatment courts. These treatment courts have been a part of the judicial system for over 14 years, and now, with the help of the Family First Prevention Services Act, are evolving to help families heal and remain together. Host: Marissa GaalGuests: Kathy Thompson, Director of Iowa Children's Justice and Iowa Court of Appeals Judge Mary Tabor.Music from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this month's episode, we are highlighting Arabella Babb Mansfield, the first woman attorney admitted to the bar in Iowa and the nation. In an interview with retired Justice Linda Neuman, we discuss her history as the first woman supreme court justice in Iowa, and what being awarded the Iowa Organization of Women Attorney's 2017 Arabella Babb Mansfield Award means to her.  Music from The Epic 2  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Beginning February 1, 2021, jury trials resumed in Iowa after being postponed during the winter months due to an increase in Covid-19 cases. The safety of jurors participating in trials during Covid-19 has been a priority for the judicial branch and led to the creation of the Jumpstart Jury Trials Taskforce shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic came to Iowa in 2020. Today we will be talking to the co-chairs of this task force, Justice Matthew McDermott and attorney Guy Cook, as well as Jasper County trial coordinator, Aimee Dredge, about the steps being taken to protect jurors, judges, and all parties involved in jury trials across the state. 

Black History Month is an opportunity for us all to take some time in the month of February to reflect through the lens of the black experience in both the progress we as a nation have made and the continued work to be done in seeking equality in diversity, inclusion, equity, and access. The Iowa Judicial Branch is taking this opportunity to continue to press forward in our mission of administering justice equally to all Iowans. In allowing for curiosity and striving to dig deeper, we aim to ask harder questions, remain open to learning, and apply this learning to the everyday work that we do in our efforts to administer fair and equal justice. Today’s podcast demonstrates two women in leadership within the Iowa Judicial Branch committed to action-ing this through humble and curious conversation.Music from The Epic 2 by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Thank you for joining us for another episode, our first of 2021. Today we are going to take a longer look at one of Iowa’s appellate courts, the Iowa Court of Appeals. We are joined by the current Court of Appeals Chief Judge, Thomas Bower, who will take us through the establishment of this court and the role it plays in Iowa’s judicial branch.Music from The Epic 2 by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Welcome back to another episode. This month we are talking with the Iowa Supreme Court’s newest Justice, Justice Matthew McDermott. To hear about his memories of growing up in Carroll, Iowa, his journey to law school in California, and how he is managing his first year on the bench amidst a global pandemic, keep listening. Music from The Epic 2 by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Welcome back to another episode of In the Balance, Iowa’s Judicial Branch podcast. This week, we are going to take a step outside of the Judicial Branch Building, figuratively speaking, to explore the whole of Iowa’s statewide court system. Today, we are going to briefly explore the structures of Iowa’s trial and appellate court systems, and how they operate in unison to provide open and accessible courts where Iowan’s can seek resolutions to their disputes.

In this week's episode, we talk with Justice Edward Mansfield about what inspired him to pursue a career as a judge, how he has been spending his free time during Covid-19, and diving deeper into how the Iowa Supreme Court decides which cases come before their bench.Music from The Epic 2 by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/