Judge Kapoor

Judge Kapoor was elected by Lane County voters in 2020 after first earning appointment to the bench through a rigorous and highly competitive selection process. Prior to being a judge, he was in court nearly every day, defending the public’s right to due process. As a public defender, Judge Kapoor did not pick and choose cases in accord with who could pay; rather, he fought for everyone’s right to have access to justice.

Judge Kapoor has years of experience in nearly all areas of the law that regularly come before the court.

Judge Kapoor manages his courtroom with professionalism and compassion for all litigants, attorneys, jurors, court staff, and law enforcement alike, and believes a well-functioning justice system depends on three core values:

Judge Kapoor was overwhelmingly elected by the voters of Lane County in the 2020 General Election

Everyone deserves respect and dignity

Fidelity to the rule of law is essential

Members of the community deserve meaningful access to justice

Judge Kapoor understands that when people come to court, they are often facing some of the most intense moments of their lives. That responsibility calls for experience, sound judgment, and a judge who takes the work of justice seriously.

Judge Amit Kapoor treats every person who comes before the Lane County Circuit Court with dignity and respect. He is committed to fair and impartial justice, grounded in the rule of law.

Judge Kapoor has presided over hundreds of hearings, jury trials, and bench trials in criminal, civil, family, and juvenile matters. He handles cases ranging from child custody determinations to serious felony charges.

Judge Kapoor approaches every case by listening carefully, reviewing the facts, applying the law faithfully, and making decisions with fairness and impartiality.

Because in court, getting it right matters.

Committed to Justice and Learning

Judge Kapoor has over 12 years of courtroom-based work. He has represented over 1200 clients. Nearly every day, Judge Kapoor had the privilege to work with some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Judge Kapoor’s background demonstrates his commitment to serving others, as an advocate, educator, researcher and volunteer. This background strengthens his ability to provide fair and thoughtful decision-making, and reflects a lifelong commitment to understanding law, people, and society, and the real world consequences of judicial decisions.

Education, Background and Service

Juris Doctor, University of Iowa College of Law
Master of Arts in Sociology, University of Iowa
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Iowa
Doctoral studies in Sociology, with advanced work in social psychology and political sociology

Occupational Background

Lane Community College Faculty

University of Montana Adjunct Professor

Kirkwood Community College Adjunct Professor

University of Iowa Instructor and Teaching Assistant (Recipient of Outstanding Teaching Award)

Legal Intern, Iowa Nonprofit Resources Center and Student Legal Services

Research Assistant, University of Iowa Center for International Finance and Development

Research Assistant for University of Iowa Law School

Administrative Assistant Iowa Social Science Research Center

Administrative Assistant The Sociological Quarterly

Research Assistant for University of Iowa Sociology Department

Early work: bus driver, and fast food and retail service

Volunteer Service Beyond the Courtroom

Research Council (Office of the Vice President for Research, University of Iowa)

Executive Council, University of Iowa Center for Human Rights

Co-President of the Iowa Chapter of the International Law Student Association

Graduate Studies Committee (University of Iowa Department of Sociology)

Lane County Center for Dialogue and Resolution, Board Member

Lane Community College Faculty Union