House Journal: Page 73: Wednesday, January 15, 2003
together in one facility, and its strong, identifiable civic presence reflects the
independent status of the judicial branch of government.
Not only is the building capable of meeting present day needs, it has been designed
to meet future demands. It was planned to handle the anticipated growth in our
workload; it is wired for extensive use of electronic technology, including audio and
video communications; and it was built to last as long as the Capitol. In short, it will
serve the public well, and it is a solid investment.
We’re pleased to report that the building has already received two honors. The
American Institute of Architects recently recognized our architects DLR Group and
Kaplan/McLaughlin/Diaz for the building’s design. In addition, the American Council
of Engineering awarded its 2003 Engineering Excellence Award to Pulley & Associates
for the building’s mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems.
As Sir Winston Churchill wisely recognized in 1943, when debating the
reconstruction of the House of Commons after it had been destroyed in the blitz: "We
shape our buildings, and afterwards, our buildings shape us." Iowa’s new Judicial
Branch Building, designed with that principle in mind, will support the mission of the
Judicial Branch for years to come.
Judicial Branch Mission
Which brings me back to the primary reason we are gathered here today, to take
stock of the mission of the Judicial Branch. For the benefit of the new members of the
General Assembly, I would like to briefly review our mission, which is administering
justice under the law equally to all people by providing independent and accessible
forums for the fair and prompt resolution of disputes.
We rely on our judges and staff, who are committed to excellence, to fulfill this
critical mission. Judges serve the public by using their legal skills and knowledge to
impartially interpret and apply the laws you pass. Their role is crucial, but their
ability to perform this role effectively in today’s complicated and litigious society
requires the assistance of support staff. A team of indispensable specialists - clerks of
court, court attendants, court reporters, juvenile court officers, secretaries,
administrators, computer programmers, law clerks, and others - work closely with our
judges, helping them coordinate the disposition of hundreds of thousands of cases from
beginning to end.
Iowans have many reasons to be proud of their top rate court system. According to
a national survey, Iowa is rated as one of the top five states for creating a fair and
reasonable litigation environment. The survey, which was released early last year,
ranked Iowa high in treatment of class actions, timeliness of summary judgments and
dismissals, judges’ impartiality, and judges’ competence.
The fine quality of Iowa’s judicial system is, in part, a result of your backing. The
General Assembly and the Governor have a history of recognizing the importance of
fair compensation for judges and court staff.
Budget Cuts and Making Ends Meet
Our achievements over the past year, though important, are only part of the whole
picture, however. We must not lose sight of the fact that these are the most difficult
© 2003 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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