---
title: "Mark S. Cady | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mark-s-cady-4381"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-22"
---

# Mark S. Cady

Supreme Court of Iowa · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Supreme Court of Iowa
- State: Iowa
- Role: Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, Supreme Court of Iowa, 1998-present
- 2011–2019: held the role of Chief Justice after being elected in 2011 and retained in 2016 and 2017
- Mark Steven Cady (1953–2019) was an American jurist who served on the Iowa Supreme Court for 21 years, becoming its Chief Justice in 2011 until his death in 2019, and is remembered for landmark rulings on marriage equality and reproductive rights
- 1994–1998: Iowa Court of Appeals judge; elected Chief Judge in 1997
- Iowa District Associate Judge, then District Judge (1983–1986)
- Began his legal career in Fort Dodge, Iowa, as a law clerk, assistant Webster County attorney, and private practitioner
- As Chief Justice, Cady promoted court modernization (e.g., online small claims, text reminders) and created the Iowa Access to Justice Commission
- Cady was recognized for his reform-oriented judicial philosophy, blending constitutional interpretation with practical access-to-justice initiatives

### Education

- Drake Law School, being elected to the Order of the Coif — J.D. (1978)

### Additional information

- He received the Award of Merit from the Iowa Judges Association in 2015
- Mark S. Cady was born July 12, 1953, in Rapid City, South Dakota, and grew up in Minnesota.
- Date of birth: 1953-07-12
- He chaired the National Center for State Courts Board of Directors and held the role of President of the Conference of Chief Justices.
- He also taught at Buena Vista University for over 30 years

## 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

### 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.courtlistener.com/person/4381/mark-s-cady/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4381/mark-s-cady/)
- [Supreme Court of Iowa current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4381/mark-s-cady/)
- [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)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4381/mark-s-cady/)

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