How is the judiciary structured and who controls it?

How is the judiciary structured and who controls it?

• A. The Head of Judiciary is elected by the Parliament.
• B. The Head of Judiciary is elected by popular referendum.
• C. The Head of Judiciary is appointed by the President.
• D. The Head of Judiciary is appointed by the Supreme Leader.

Answer: (D)

In Iran, the judiciary is not chosen by voters or by the legislature; it is controlled by the Supreme Leader. The head of the judiciary is appointed by the Supreme Leader, not elected by Parliament, by popular referendum, or by the President. This arrangement places the judicial branch firmly under the religious-political authority of the Leader, ensuring that the judiciary operates in line with the regime’s interpretation of Islamic law and overall leadership. The Leader’s appointment power reflects how the system concentrates control over the legal system rather than distributing it through elections or executive appointment.

In Iran, the judiciary is not chosen by voters or by the legislature; it is controlled by the Supreme Leader. The head of the judiciary is appointed by the Supreme Leader, not elected by Parliament, by popular referendum, or by the President. This arrangement places the judicial branch firmly under the religious-political authority of the Leader, ensuring that the judiciary operates in line with the regime’s interpretation of Islamic law and overall leadership. The Leader’s appointment power reflects how the system concentrates control over the legal system rather than distributing it through elections or executive appointment.