Iowa associate judge background checks not required
In this very interesting article, you find out that in Iowa, you can become a judge without getting a background check conducted on yourself. If you want to work at the local store, a background check is required, but if you want to sit on the bench and judge others, you do not have to submit to a background check. I think that is a flaw in the system that led to possible fraud.
Formal background checks for criminal, professional discipline, financial, mental or personal problems are not required for associate court judges in Iowa — including one Scott County judge who has been on leave longer than his time on the bench.
State authorities are investigating undisclosed criminal charges against Kyle Williamson, who makes $9,434 a month, or $113,214 a year. He’s been on medical leave for 16 weeks.
The only requirements for potential associate judges are to fill out an application, be a resident of the county served at the time of appointment, be licensed to practice law in Iowa and be able to complete an initial term before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 72.
