A temporary injunction may be granted by any of the following:
Rule 1.1506.By whom granted
Division XV: Injunctions · Last amended February 15, 2002 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1.1506 identifies who may grant a temporary injunction in Iowa: a judge of the district where the action is or will be pending, or the supreme court or a justice of it.
Full Text of Rule 1.1506
(1) A judge of the district in which the action is or will be pending.
(2) The supreme court or a justice thereof.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 1.1506 lists the officials with authority to grant a temporary injunction. The rule names two: a judge of the judicial district in which the action is, or will be, pending, and the supreme court or a justice of that court.
Pairing this rule with Rule 1.1505's venue requirement shows how the pieces fit together — the request is filed in the county where the action belongs, and it is decided by a judge tied to that same district, unless the party instead turns to the supreme court or one of its justices. That second option exists alongside the district-court route rather than replacing it; the rule does not require district-level review first.
Because a temporary injunction can be urgent — often sought before the underlying case is fully underway — Rule 1.1506 keeps the list of who can act short and clear, so a party seeking emergency relief knows exactly where to turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has authority to grant a temporary injunction in Iowa?
Rule 1.1506 allows either a judge of the district in which the action is or will be pending, or the supreme court or a justice of the supreme court, to grant a temporary injunction.
Do I have to go to the district court first before asking the supreme court for a temporary injunction?
The rule's text lists both options without requiring the district court route first, so a party may present the request to the supreme court or a justice of it directly.
Does it matter which district the action is pending in?
Yes. A district judge's authority under Rule 1.1506 is tied to the district in which the action is or will be pending, matching the venue requirement in Rule 1.1505.
Can a single justice of the supreme court act alone on a temporary injunction request?
Yes. Rule 1.1506 authorizes the supreme court or a justice of that court, so an individual justice can grant the relief without the full court acting.
Is this the same official who decides whether to endorse a refusal under Rule 1.1503?
Yes. Rule 1.1503's endorsement requirement applies to the same court or justice identified in Rule 1.1506 as having authority to grant or refuse a temporary injunction.
Source & verification. Rule text and the Comment are
reproduced verbatim from the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure, adopted by the
Iowa Supreme Court. Last verified July 15, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: iowa who grants temporary injunctioniowa district judge injunction authorityiowa supreme court justice injunctioniowa temporary injunction granting rule