June 21--The Iowa Supreme Court issued an order Monday that bans weapons in all 99 courthouses and justice centers across the state.

The policy prohibits guns from all courtrooms, court-controlled spaces and public areas of the courthouses and other justice centers, Chief Justice Mark Cady said in the order. The order doesn't interfere with the authority of county or city officials to determine employment policies for their employees who may work in offices within the court buildings or affect the authority of law enforcement to carry weapons while performing their duties within those buildings.

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According to the Iowa Constitution, Cady said, the Iowa Supreme Court has the power to "exercise supervisory and administrative control" over the district courts.

"With the power to supervise and administer courts come the responsibility to promote safety in courthouses and court facilities," Cady added.

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He also pointed out courtroom proceedings at times can be emotional and controversial, and these "threats" aren't just confined to courtrooms, they also threaten the safety of any individual who comes into the courthouses to conduct business and to those who work in these buildings.

There are 72 counties that prohibit weapons in courtrooms and other court-controlled spaces within courthouses, according to the order. These bans are issued by county ordinance or by an administrative order of the chief judge.

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