Des Moines, February 11, 2015— The Iowa Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a special session of oral arguments in Des Moines Tuesday evening, February 24, and in Creston Monday evening, March 9.
On Tuesday evening, February 24, the supreme court will hear oral arguments in the case of Danny Homan, Steven J. Sodders, Jack Hatch, Pat Murphy, and Mark Smith v. Terry Branstad, Governor, State of Iowa; and Charles M. Palmer, Director, Iowa Department of Human Services beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Supreme Court Courtroom on the fourth floor of the Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines.
On Monday evening, March 9, the supreme court will hear oral arguments in the case Sanon, et al. v. City of Pella, et al. beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Creston High School auditorium, 601 West Townline Street, Creston.
The evening sessions are open to the public and provide an opportunity for Iowa residents, who may not be able to attend the court's regular morning and afternoon sessions, to watch the court conduct oral arguments.
Danny Homan, et al. vs. Terry Branstad, et al.
Plaintiffs in this case claim the governor's actions prior to closure of the Iowa Juvenile Home (IJH) in Toledo amounted to an unconstitutional impoundment of legislative funds that had been appropriated for IJH operations. IJH closed in January 2014. The governor and the Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services appeal a district court order granting a preliminary injunction requiring IJH to reopen.
Attorneys' briefs for the case and a guide to oral arguments are posted on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at: http://www.iowacourts.gov/About_the_Courts/Supreme_Court/Des_Moines_Evening_Session/ .
Proceedings will be streamed live from the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
A public reception with the supreme court justices will follow the oral arguments on the second floor of the Judicial Branch Building.
Sanon, et al. v. City of Pella, et al.
This case involves the drowning of two teen age boys while on a youth camp outing to the Pella Aquatic Center operated by the City of Pella (City). The case rises on appeal from the Iowa district court following its ruling granting in part and denying in part the City's motion for summary judgment on immunity issues. The issues on appeal center on whether acts or omissions of city employees resulting in violation of pool safety regulations amount to a criminal offence under Iowa law such that the City does not have immunity from liability under Iowa Code section 670.4(12).
Attorneys' briefs for the case and a guide to oral arguments are posted on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at: http://www.iowacourts.gov/About_the_Courts/Supreme_Court/Offsite_Oral_Arguments_Creston/
A public reception with the supreme court justices at both special sessions will follow the oral arguments in the high school.
Learn more about the Iowa Supreme Court.
Note to Editors: News media are invited to attend the oral arguments. Court rules apply regarding still camera, video camera, audio recording devices, and other electronic devices used during the oral arguments. Information on expanded media coverage is available on the Iowa Judicial Branch Website.
The Iowa Court Rules regarding cameras and other electronic devices in courtrooms are on the Iowa Legislature website (PDF). Internet Explorer 9 or higher is required to view this page of the Iowa Legislature website. Mozilla, Firefox, or Google Chrome will also work.
For More Information:
Steve Davis, Court Communications Officer, (515)725-8058 or [email protected]
Iowa Supreme Court
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-3952