Welcome to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.  The federal court system was established in the U.S. Constitution as one of the three branches of government.  The courts of our Nation belong not to the lawyers and the judges, but to you - the public.

Perhaps you have come to us because you are involved in a case, or maybe you have been called to jury duty.  The American legal system has the largest percentage of participation by non-lawyers of any system in the world. The jury system is truly the voice of "the people."  President Lincoln promised a "government of the people, by the people and for the people." The people in our legal citizens are citizen jurors who serve when called.  It is only because of citizens like you who respond to the call of their country that our system continues to be the best in the world.  Or perhaps you are simply interested in learning more about the courts - about careers in law, volunteer opportunities, or the workings of the third branch of government.  Whatever your reason for visiting our website, we are glad you are here.  Your understanding of the system ensures fairness.

The court system exists to help people in our state to resolve their disputes peacefully, and to dispense justice fairly, impartially and according to the rule of law.  This is the cornerstone of our democracy.  You have my commitment that the Southern District of Iowa court system will always strive to be open, understandable, and affordable.  You are welcome here.

If you have any concerns about our District, please contact our Clerk of Court, Marge Krahn, at 515-323-2865.

Thank You,

Robert W. Pratt
Chief Judge