Iowa · statute · Iowa Code ch. 4 · 15 active provisions
In the construction of the statutes, the following rules shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the general assembly, or repugnant to the context of the statute: 1Appellate court. The term “appellate court” means and includes both the supreme court and the court of…
1. In the construction of statutes, the following rules shall be observed with regard to a person’s biological sex: a. “Sex”, when used to classify or describe a natural person, means the state of being either male or female as observed or clinically verified at birth. b. When used in reference to a natural person, a “…
The rule of the common law, that statutes in derogation thereof are to be strictly construed, has no application to this Code. Its provisions and all proceedings under it shall be liberally construed with a view to promote its objects and assist the parties in obtaining justice.
Any statute which adopts by reference the whole or a portion of another statute of this state shall be construed to include subsequent amendments of the statute or the portion thereof so adopted by reference unless a contrary intent is expressed.
In enacting a statute, it is presumed that: 1. Compliance with the Constitutions of the state and of the United States is intended. 2. The entire statute is intended to be effective. 3. A just and reasonable result is intended. 4. A result feasible of execution is intended. 5. Public interest is favored over any privat…
A statute is presumed to be prospective in its operation unless expressly made retrospective.
If a statute is ambiguous, the court, in determining the intention of the legislature, may consider among other matters: 1. The object sought to be attained. 2. The circumstances under which the statute was enacted. 3. The legislative history. 4. The common law or former statutory provisions, including laws upon the sa…
If a general provision conflicts with a special or local provision, they shall be construed, if possible, so that effect is given to both. If the conflict between the provisions is irreconcilable, the special or local provision prevails as an exception to the general provision.
If statutes enacted at the same or different sessions of the legislature are irreconcilable, the statute latest in date of enactment by the general assembly prevails. If provisions of the same Act are irreconcilable, the provision listed last in the Act prevails.
If the language of the official copy of a statute conflicts with the language of any subsequent printing or reprinting of the statute, the language of the official copy prevails.
A statute which is reenacted, revised or amended is intended to be a continuation of the prior statute and not a new enactment, so far as it is the same as the prior statute.
If amendments to the same statute are enacted at the same or different sessions of the general assembly, one amendment without reference to another, the amendments are to be harmonized, if possible, so that effect may be given to each. If the amendments are irreconcilable, the latest in date of enactment by the general…
If any provision of an Act or statute or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act or statute which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of the Act or statu…
1. The reenactment, revision, amendment, or repeal of a statute does not affect any of the following: a. The prior operation of the statute or any prior action taken under the statute. b. Any validation, cure, right, privilege, obligation, or liability previously acquired, accrued, accorded, or incurred under the statu…
It is presumed that English language requirements in the public sector are consistent with the laws of Iowa and any ambiguity in the English language text of the laws of Iowa shall be resolved, in accordance with the ninth and tenth amendments of the Constitution of the United States, not to deny or disparage rights re…