The Iowa Court of Appeals selects certain opinions for publication in the Northwestern Reporter. In July, the Court of Appeals selected two opinions for publication. Following are summaries of those opinions.
Thompson v. State, No. 25-0891
Opinion date: April
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Iowa Supreme Court Limits Human Trafficking Liability Under 2024 Statute, Requiring an Actual Victim
The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed dismissal of a human trafficking charge and clarified that, under the 2024 statute, a defendant cannot commit human trafficking by attempting to buy sex from a victim who does not exist. In a unanimous decision…
Iowa Supreme Court affirms child endangerment convictions and extends emotional harm theory to siblings
In a 5–2 decision filed on June 12, 2026, the Iowa Supreme Court in State v. Gibbs upheld a mother’s three child endangerment convictions under Iowa Code section 726.6(1)(a). Chief Justice Christensen wrote the majority opinion, joined by Justices McDonald,…
Iowa Supreme Court upholds harassment conviction and clarifies that a defendant need not initiate contact to commit harassment
In a unanimous decision filed on May 22, 2026, the Iowa Supreme Court in State v. Hall held that a defendant need not be the person who initiated an encounter to commit harassment. The Court also held that a sentencing…
Search of visitor’s backpack not in physical possession falls within premises warrant, Iowa Supreme Court holds
In a divided 5–2 decision issued on March 27, 2026, the Iowa Supreme Court held that the search of a visitor’s backpack found on the premises during the execution of a search warrant did not violate the visitor’s rights under the…
Thank you, Rox Laird
After more than a decade of service to On Brief, we are announcing that Rox Laird is stepping away from his role as a contributor to the blog.
Throughout his tenure, Rox has authored nearly 500 posts covering the Iowa…
May 2026 Iowa Court of Appeals Published Opinion Roundup
By Rox Laird
The Iowa Court of Appeals selects certain opinions for publication in the Northwestern Reporter. In May, the Court of Appeals selected two opinions for publication. Following are summaries of those opinions.
Jay Straight and Lori Straight v. Hagie Manufacturing…
Iowa Supreme Court: Developer’s investment in windfarm project does not exempt it from new Worth County windmill restrictions
By Rox Laird
The developer of a wind energy project planned in Worth County did not have a “vested right” to continue with the project after the Worth County Board of Supervisors enacted an ordinance the developer claimed doomed the project, a divided…
February 2026 Opinion Roundup
By Matt McGuire
The Iowa Supreme Court issued opinions in eleven cases in February 2026. At the links immediately below, you can read On Brief’s analysis of the following opinions:
…
Attorney-client privilege curbs State Auditor’s subpoena power, Iowa Supreme Court holds
By Rox Laird
The State Auditor has broad access under Iowa law to state and local records in conducting audits, including otherwise confidential information, but the Auditor’s access does not extend to records shielded by attorney-client privilege, the Iowa Supreme Court held in…