--- title: "John M. Sandy | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-m-sandy-judge-iowa-court-of-appeals-ia" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # John M. Sandy Iowa Court of Appeals · Judge ## Profile - Court: Iowa Court of Appeals - State: Iowa - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### counsel electronic devices Scope: courtwide The Iowa Court of Appeals permits counsel to use personal computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices at counsel table and the lectern if they do not create disturbances. Evidence excerpt: may be used by counsel at counsel table and the lectern [Iowa Court of Appeals Courtroom Protocol](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/court-of-appeals/court-of-appeals-oral-argument-schedules/courtroom-protocol) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### recording photography Scope: courtwide The Iowa Court of Appeals does not allow video recording, audio recording, or photography in the courtroom unless the court grants permission. Evidence excerpt: not allowed in the courtroom unless permission is granted by the court [Iowa Court of Appeals Courtroom Protocol](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/court-of-appeals/court-of-appeals-oral-argument-schedules/courtroom-protocol) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### recording photography streaming Scope: statewide Iowa prohibits broadcasting, recording, photographing, texting, blogging, or tweeting real-time courtroom coverage unless the presiding judicial officer permits it in advance. Evidence excerpt: prohibited unless the presiding judicial officer expressly permits coverage in advance [Iowa Judicial Branch: Expanded News Media Coverage](https://www.iowacourts.gov/newsroom/expanded-news-media-coverage) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### presiding judge discretion Scope: statewide 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. Evidence excerpt: The judge shall allow expanded news media coverage unless the judge concludes [Iowa Judicial Branch: Expanded News Media Coverage](https://www.iowacourts.gov/newsroom/expanded-news-media-coverage) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### electronic devices for media Scope: statewide Iowa Chapter 25 requires approval before using electronic devices for photography, video recording, audio recording, or streaming video in a courtroom. Evidence excerpt: Electronic devices for photography, video recording, audio recording, or streaming video may not be used [Chapter 25 Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage](https://www.iowacourts.gov/static/media/cms/25_2_44097B6A827DC.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/court-of-appeals/judges) - [Official roster](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/court-of-appeals/judges) - [Iowa Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/court-of-appeals/judges) - [Iowa Judicial Branch: Expanded News Media Coverage](https://www.iowacourts.gov/newsroom/expanded-news-media-coverage) - [Chapter 25 Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage](https://www.iowacourts.gov/static/media/cms/25_2_44097B6A827DC.pdf) - [Iowa Court of Appeals Courtroom Protocol](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/court-of-appeals/court-of-appeals-oral-argument-schedules/courtroom-protocol) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-m-sandy-judge-iowa-court-of-appeals-ia", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-m-sandy-judge-iowa-court-of-appeals-ia", "name": "John M. 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Sandy", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-m-sandy-judge-iowa-court-of-appeals-ia" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - Appointed judge of the Iowa Court of Appeals, serving since June 28, 2024, under Governor Kim Reynolds - 3rd Judicial District Court Judge (2021–2024), covering multiple Iowa counties - He also clerked with the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the District of Minnesota (2007–2009) and with Colich & Associates (2009–2010) - Shareholder & Managing Partner at Sandy Law Firm, P.C. in Spirit Lake, maintaining a busy trial practice ### Education ### Additional information - Joined the Iowa Court of Appeals in June 2024 to replace the late Hon. - In interviews, Sandy has cited two main inspirations for his legal career: a desire to make a meaningful difference and deep respect for the legal profession, shaped by his parents, both attorneys. - He has also expressed gratitude for the sacrifices of his family and ancestors, describing his journey as “standing on the shoulders of giants” - Judge Sandy is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, Minnesota Bar Association, Dickinson County Bar Association, and Iowa Judges Association. - He also serves on the Iowa Judicial Branch Fairness in Jury Selection Task Force and is a faculty member at the National Computer Forensics Institute ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure, official September 30, 2026 collection](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-e977ef065ef3b8cfea8fce37) — Iowa Supreme Court and Court of Appeals proceedings only. Section-specific exceptions, waivers, later amendments and case orders remain applicable. This is a source excerpt, not an exhaustive statement of the rule. [Official source](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ACO/CourtRulesChapter/09-30-2026.6.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.