Iowa Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments in Historic Supreme Court Courtroom in the Iowa State Capitol

On Tuesday, October 7, the Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a special session in the historic Supreme Court Courtroom in the Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E. Grand Avenue, Des Moines. The oral arguments are open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m.

Attendees may enter the Capitol through the west and south public entrances. The west entrance will close at 7:00 p.m. The south entrance will remain open until after the oral arguments begin. The courtroom doors will open to the media at 6:15 p.m. for setup and will open to all other attendees at 6:30 p.m. The oral arguments will be livestreamed on the Iowa Courts YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL6EU7W8kqDKnKPUzMdxr_g, and there will be overflow seating to watch the livestream in room 19 in the Capitol Building.

A public reception with the supreme court justices sponsored by the Polk County Bar Association will follow the oral arguments.

The court will hear attorneys argue in the following case:
Mormann, et al. v. City of Manchester and James Wessels, case number 24-0828 from Delaware County District Court

Case summary: A jury awarded plaintiffs $4.25 million against the City of Manchester and law officer James Wessels upon finding that Wessels continued a high speed chase after other officers backed off and allegedly swerved into the motorcycle Gus Mormann was driving, causing Mormann to lose control and sustain injuries ultimately resulting in his death. Defendants contend on appeal that the Iowa Municipal Tort Claims Act should bar plaintiffs' claims based upon or arising out of an act or omission of a municipality in connection with an emergency response.

Attorney briefs for Mormann, et al. v. City of Manchester and James Wessels are posted on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/supreme-court/supreme-court-oral-argument-schedule/case/24-0828.

Note to Media: News media must be in the courtroom and set up by 6:30 p.m. to ensure access to pooling and seating. News media personnel must be properly attired and wear identification stating the person's name and media affiliation. Court rules apply regarding still cameras, video cameras, audio recording devices, and other electronic devices used during the oral arguments. Information on expanded media coverage is available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at https://www.iowacourts.gov/newsroom/expanded-news-media-coverage.

The Iowa Court Rules regarding cameras and other electronic devices in courtrooms are on the Iowa Legislature website at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ACO/CR/LINC/09-30-2022.chapter.25.pdf.