The Iowa Consent to Proceed Before Magistrate Judge is a form that a party (or parties) must sign in order to waive their right to have their case heard in front of a district court judge. This form is provided by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. By signing this form, the party agrees to have their case heard by a magistrate judge, who will have the same authority as a district court judge. There are two types of Iowa Consent to Proceed Before Magistrate Judge forms: one for civil cases and one for criminal cases. The civil form must be signed by all parties involved in the case, while the criminal form must be signed by the defendant and the attorney, if applicable. Both forms must be signed and filed with the court clerk. Once the form is accepted by the court, the magistrate judge will have full authority to hear and decide the case.