Iowa Ct. R. 52.11

52.11(1) The commission may direct an investigation on its own motion, without any initial

inquiry under rule 52.10.

52.11(2) The judicial officer or employee involved shall be notified of the investigation and

the nature of the complaint. The commission in its discretion may disclose the name of the

complainant or that the investigation is on the commission’s own motion. Notification shall

be by prepaid certified or registered mail marked “confidential” and addressed to the judicial

officer’s chambers, employee’s business address or last known residence of the judicial officer

or employee. The judicial officer or employee may be requested to provide in writing a report to

the commission concerning matters referred to in the complaint. The judicial officer or employee

shall be notified that it is not mandatory that the judicial officer or employee provide such report.

52.11(3) In the event the investigation indicates that the complaint has merit, then the

commission in its discretion may grant to the judicial officer or employee an opportunity to

present to the commission such information relevant to the complaint as the judicial officer or

employee may desire to submit.

52.11(4) The commission shall dismiss the complaint and so inform the judicial officer or

employee and the complainant if the investigation shows it to be groundless.

52.11(5) After the investigation, if the complaint appears to be substantiated in whole or in

part but does not warrant application to the supreme court, the commission may dispose of the

complaint informally by conference with or communication to the judicial officer or employee.

The complainant shall be notified of such action.

52.11(6) The commission shall formulate a charge and institute formal proceedings if the

investigation indicates that the matter investigated appears to be substantiated and, if true, would

warrant application to the supreme court.