Iowa Code Title XV. Judicial Branch and Judicial Procedures [Chs. 595-686] § 602.6306. Jurisdiction, procedure, appeals

1. District associate judges have the jurisdiction provided in section 602.6405 for magistrates, and when exercising that jurisdiction shall employ magistrates' practice and procedure.

2. District associate judges also have jurisdiction in civil actions for money judgment where the amount in controversy does not exceed ten thousand dollars; jurisdiction over involuntary commitment, treatment, or hospitalization proceedings under chapters 125 and 229; jurisdiction of indictable misdemeanors, class “D” felony violations, and other felony arraignments; jurisdiction to enter a temporary or emergency order of protection under chapter 235F or 236, and to make court appointments and set hearings in criminal matters; jurisdiction to enter orders in probate which do not require notice and hearing and to set hearings in actions under chapter 633 or 633A; and the jurisdiction provided in section 232.3A, 600.41A, or 602.7101 when designated as a judge of the juvenile court. While presiding in these subject matters a district associate judge shall employ district judges' practice and procedure.

3. When a district judge is unable to serve as a result of temporary incapacity, a district associate judge may, by order of the chief judge of the judicial district enrolled in the records of the clerk of the district court, temporarily exercise any judicial authority within the jurisdiction of a district judge during the time of incapacity with respect to the matters or classes of matters specified in that order.

4. Appeals from judgments or orders of district associate judges while exercising the jurisdiction of magistrates shall be governed by the laws relating to appeals from judgments and orders of magistrates. Appeals from judgments or orders of district associate judges while exercising any other jurisdiction shall be governed by the laws relating to appeals from judgments or orders of district judges.