The court may order that food and lodging be provided at state expense for a jury being kept together to try or deliberate on a cause.
Rule 1.930.Food and lodging
Division IX: Trial and Judgment · Last amended February 15, 2002 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1.930 lets the court order food and lodging at state expense for a jury being kept together to try or deliberate on a case.
Full Text of Rule 1.930
Plain-English Summary
When a jury has to stay together — whether through a lengthy trial or extended deliberations — someone has to cover the practical needs that come with keeping a group of people sequestered. Rule 1.930 answers that by letting the court order food and lodging provided at state expense for a jury kept together to try or deliberate on a cause.
The rule is brief because it covers a narrow, practical point: it authorizes the expense rather than setting detailed procedures for it, leaving the specifics of arranging meals and housing to the court handling the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for a jury's food and lodging if it is sequestered during a trial?
Rule 1.930 lets the court order that food and lodging be provided at state expense for a jury being kept together to try or deliberate on a case.
Does this rule apply to deliberations as well as the trial itself?
Yes. Rule 1.930 covers a jury kept together to try or deliberate on a cause, so it applies during either phase.
Is providing food and lodging to the jury mandatory?
No. Rule 1.930 says the court "may order" it, leaving the decision to the court's discretion based on the circumstances of the case.
Does the rule set a budget or standard for the food and lodging provided?
No. Rule 1.930 authorizes state-funded food and lodging without specifying particular standards or amounts.
Why would a court need to order lodging for a jury?
This typically arises when a jury is kept together overnight or longer during trial or deliberations, consistent with the separation rules described in Rule 1.927.
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 jury food and lodging rulesequestered jury expenses iowastate pays for jury lodging iowaiowa civil rule 1.930