Iowa Mock Trial Rules

Midwest

IA · Capital: Des Moines

Evidence Rules

Iowa Rules of Evidence

Citation: Iowa R. Evid. (Ch. 5, Iowa Court Rules)

Iowa follows a modified Daubert standard for expert testimony under Iowa R. Evid. 5.702, as established in Ranes v. Adams Laboratories
Iowa R. Evid. 5.412 (rape shield) is broader than FRE 412, with narrower exceptions for admitting prior sexual conduct
Iowa does not recognize a residual hearsay exception equivalent to FRE 807; hearsay must fit a specifically enumerated exception

Rule	Description
Iowa R. Evid. 5.702	Expert testimony must be the product of reliable principles and methods, with courts serving as gatekeepers of scientific reliability
Iowa R. Evid. 5.803(24)	Iowa previously had a catch-all hearsay exception that was eliminated, requiring stricter adherence to enumerated exceptions
Iowa R. Evid. 5.609	Impeachment by prior conviction is limited to felonies and crimes involving dishonesty; 10-year time limit applies strictly

Civil Procedure

Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (Iowa R. Civ. P.)

Criminal Procedure

Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure (Iowa R. Crim. P.)

Iowa uses a unified trial court system with District Courts as the sole general jurisdiction courts
Iowa employs a merit-based judicial selection system (Missouri Plan) affecting judge assignments
Mandatory mediation required in many civil case types before trial

Civil Jury Size

Criminal Jury Size

Yes

Unanimity Required

Experience a realistic courtroom simulation using Iowa rules and procedures.