---
title: "Mitchell E. Turner | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mitchell-e-turner-district-court-judge-iowa-judicial-district-6-district-court-ia"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Mitchell E. Turner

Iowa Judicial District 6 District Court · Senior Judge

## Profile

- Court: Iowa Judicial District 6 District Court
- State: Iowa
- Role: Senior Judge
- Service status: senior
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career


### Education

- University of Iowa College of Law — J.D. (1979)
- Bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1976 and his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1979.

### Additional information

- He transitioned to senior status in 2021, continuing to serve the Sixth Judicial District.
- Turner joined the Iowa District Court bench in 2005 and was re-elected in 2018, receiving 79.71% of the vote.
- Received an appointment to district court bench in 2005.
- Following law school, he practiced privately for 26 years, gaining extensive experience in civil and trial law before his judicial appointment in 2005.
- Studies at University of Minnesota (1976).
- Worked in private practice for approximately 26 years before judicial appointment.
- Current service classified as Senior Judge.
- Recognized for his extensive legal experience, careful attention to constitutional principles, and active role in shaping Iowa’s judicial landscape
- Judge Turner has been involved in high-profile cases, including rulings on controversial legislation.
- His judicial work includes presiding over civil, criminal, and administrative cases, reflecting his broad legal expertise
- He is a member of the Linn County Bar Association, the Iowa State Bar Association, and the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association

## 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.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-6/judges-and-magistrates)
- [Official roster](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-6/judges-and-magistrates)
- [Iowa Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-6/judges-and-magistrates)
- [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)
- [District 6 Judges and Magistrates | Iowa Judicial Branch](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-6/judges-and-magistrates)

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## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure, official September 30, 2026 collection](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-0095feb1b1da55bd07a559b3) — Civil proceedings in Iowa District Courts; specialized proceedings and statutory exceptions remain applicable. 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/09-30-2026.1.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.
