James C. Ellefson at a glance
- Current role
- Chief Judge
- Court
- Iowa Judicial District 2 District Court
- Jurisdiction
- Iowa · State
- Judicial service
- Active
James C. Ellefson
Chief Judge · Iowa Judicial District 2 District Court
Available research
Courtroom rules and guidance
Recording Photography Streaming
Iowa prohibits broadcasting, recording, photographing, texting, blogging, or tweeting real-time courtroom coverage unless the presiding judicial officer permits it in advance.
prohibited unless the presiding judicial officer expressly permits coverage in advanceIowa Judicial Branch: Expanded News Media Coverage ↗
Presiding Judge Discretion
Iowa's expanded news media coverage framework requires approval, but the judge should allow coverage unless it would materially interfere with protected interests or the proceeding.
The judge shall allow expanded news media coverage unless the judge concludesIowa Judicial Branch: Expanded News Media Coverage ↗
Electronic Devices For Media
Iowa Chapter 25 requires approval before using electronic devices for photography, video recording, audio recording, or streaming video in a courtroom.
Electronic devices for photography, video recording, audio recording, or streaming video may not be usedChapter 25 Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage ↗
Sources
Iowa Judicial Branch official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-2/judges-and-magistratesIowa Judicial Branch: Expanded News Media Coverage
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.iowacourts.gov/newsroom/expanded-news-media-coverageChapter 25 Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.iowacourts.gov/static/media/cms/25_2_44097B6A827DC.pdf