Iowa Ct. R. 51:2.10

(A) A judge shall not make any public statement that might reasonably be expected to affect

the outcome or impair the fairness of a pending matter* or impending matter* in any court, or

make any nonpublic statement that might substantially interfere with a fair trial or hearing.

(B) A judge shall not, in connection with cases, controversies, or issues that are likely to

come before the court, make pledges, promises, or commitments that are inconsistent with the

impartial* performance of the adjudicative duties of judicial office.

(C) A judge shall require court staff, court officials, and others subject to the judge’s direction

and control to refrain from making statements that the judge would he prohibited from making

by paragraphs (A) and (B).

(D) Notwithstanding the restrictions in paragraph (A), a judge may explain court procedures

and may comment on any proceeding in which the judge is a litigant in a personal capacity.

(E) Subject to the requirements of paragraph (A), a judge may respond directly or through a

third party to allegations in the media or elsewhere concerning the judge’s conduct in a matter.

Comment

[1] This rule’s restrictions on judicial speech are essential to the maintenance of the independence,

integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary.

[2] This rule does not prohibit a judge from commenting on proceedings in which the judge is a

litigant in a personal capacity. In cases in which the judge is a litigant in an official capacity, such as

a writ of mandamus, the judge must not comment publicly.

[3] Depending upon the circumstances, the judge should consider whether it may be preferable

for a third party, rather than the judge, to respond or issue statements in connection with allegations

concerning the judge’s conduct in a matter.