Iowa R. Civ. P. 1.907

1.907(1) Civil cases. The court, in the exercise of its discretion, may assign a case for trial by

order upon any one of the following:

a. The conclusion of a scheduling or pretrial conference.

b. The conclusion of a trial-setting conference.

c. The agreement of all parties or their counsel.

d. The court’s own motion after consultation with counsel for all parties. Trial of a dissolution of

marriage or a small claim may be set without consulting counsel subject to rescheduling by the court

administrator upon the request of counsel in the event of a scheduling conflict.

The court may delegate its power and duty to assign cases for trial to the court administrator or

other suitable person.

1.907(2) Small claims appeals. At least twice each month, the clerk of court shall present to a

judge authorized by statute to hear the appeal, the file and any transcript or exhibits in each small

claims case in which appeal was taken more than 20 days previously. The appeal shall be decided

upon the record without oral argument unless, within 20 days after the appeal was taken, a party filed

with the clerk of court a written request for oral argument specifying the issues to be argued, in which

event the judge may schedule oral argument. Additional evidence shall not be received except as

authorized by statute.