Terms Used In Iowa Code 502A.21

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" may include the said district and territories. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.
 It is not necessary for the state to plead the absence of an exemption under this chapter in a complaint, information, or indictment, or a writ or proceeding brought under this chapter. The burden of proof of a claimed exemption is upon the party claiming the exemption.