Anyone may file a complaint with the Commission. A complaint must be in writing and should state in as much detail as possible the specific facts about the alleged misconduct or disability. You may use the Commission’s complaint form below or you may write a letter. Provide the Commission with as much information as you have about a matter. Please be sure to write:

  • The name of the judge, magistrate or employee who is the subject of your complaint

  • The date or dates of the conduct and related events

  • The place(s) where the conduct occurred

  • The number and name of the case, if applicable, that is connected with your complaint

  • The names and addresses of people who were present when the conduct occurred or who have information about the alleged misconduct or disability

Also, be sure to provide any documents that may support your allegations. Sign the complaint form or letter. 

If the Commission needs additional information, someone representing the Commission will contact you.

Please Note:

The Commission does not have the authority to change a court ruling, decision or order. Nor does the Commission evaluate whether a particular judicial ruling is correct. To contest a court ruling or order, the proper course of action is to appeal to a higher court. If your complaint is about the “correctness” of a judge’s ruling or decision, you should consult with an attorney about whether to file an appeal with a higher court. 

The Commission does not have authority to investigate complaints about administrative law judges or ALJs (executive branch officials who hear disputes concerning the actions of state agencies) or federal judges. For complaints about an administrative law judge who works for the Administrative Hearings Division of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, you may fill out a complaint form at: https://dia.iowa.gov/.  For complaints about any other executive branch administrative law judge, you must contact the agency that employs the judge. For complaints against a federal judge, contact the clerk of the court of appeals for that circuit or applicable national court.

* Indicates a required field
In the Matter of the Conduct of:
*
*
Information about the person who is filing this complaint:
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
This complaint is about behavior of the judge named above in the following case (or cases):
*  Expected format: Name vs. Name
*
*
*
*
*
 Print your name.
Draw your signature.
*

If you wish to download and print a complaint form, fill it out by hand, then mail it to the Judicial Qualifications Commission, click the link below:
Downloadable complaint form

ADA
The Judicial Qualifications Commission takes seriously the accessibility of our site to persons with disabilities. If you have a disability which requires assistance in filing a complaint, please contact this office at (515) 348-4880. We will take reasonable steps to accommodate your needs.