Rule 52.11 - Investigation and disposition(1) The commission may direct an investigation on its own motion, without any initial inquiry under rule 52.10.(2) The judicial officer or employee involved shall be notified of the investigation and the nature of the complaint. The commission in its discretion may disclose the name of the complainant or that the investigation is on the commission's own motion. Notification shall be by prepaid certified or registered mail marked "confidential" and addressed to the judicial officer's chambers, employee's business address or last known residence of the judicial officer or employee. The judicial officer or employee may be requested to provide in writing a report to the commission concerning matters referred to in the complaint. The judicial officer or employee shall be notified that it is not mandatory that the judicial officer or employee provide such report.(3) In the event the investigation indicates that the complaint has merit, then the commission in its discretion may grant to the judicial officer or employee an opportunity to present to the commission such information relevant to the complaint as the judicial officer or employee may desire to submit.(4) The commission shall dismiss the complaint and so inform the judicial officer or employee and the complainant if the investigation shows it to be groundless.(5) After the investigation, if the complaint appears to be substantiated in whole or in part but does not warrant application to the supreme court, the commission may dispose of the complaint informally by conference with or communication to the judicial officer or employee. The complainant shall be notified of such action.(6) The commission shall formulate a charge and institute formal proceedings if the investigation indicates that the matter investigated appears to be substantiated and, if true, would warrant application to the supreme court.R. P. St. Iowa. Comm. Jud. Quali. 52.11
Court Order November 9, 2001, effective 2/15/2002.