Overview
Iran operates a Islamic (Sharia-based) legal system within a islamic republic. Its written constitution (1979) stands as the supreme instrument of the legal order, prevailing over all ordinary legislation. This profile sets out, in structured form, how Iran’s sources of law, constitution, courts, fundamental rights, regional commitments and avenues for assistance are organised.
Legal system & tradition
Iran’s legal order is grounded in Islamic law (Sharia), derived from the Qur’an and the Sunnah and elaborated through the established schools of jurisprudence. Sharia operates as a primary source of law — most prominently in personal status, family and inheritance — applied together with statutory regulations and executive decrees governing commercial, administrative and other modern fields. Supreme Court (Sharia) stands at the head of the court system. Its sources of law combine the foundational religious texts and established jurisprudence with statutory regulations and executive decrees.
Constitution & government
Iran’s constitution, adopted in 1979, is the supreme law of the land. It defines the structure of the state distributes power among the principal organs of government, and entrenches the fundamental rights and duties of individuals. All other legislation and executive action must conform to it, and the courts measure other laws and acts against it.
Courts & disputes
Judicial authority in Iran is exercised through a tiered court system. Matters are generally heard first by courts of first instance, whose decisions may be challenged before appellate courts, with Supreme Court (Sharia) exercising final jurisdiction over the questions within its competence. Specialised courts or tribunals may handle constitutional, administrative, commercial, labour or family matters, depending on the subject.
Major branches of law
Rights & rule of law
Fundamental rights and freedoms in Iran are guaranteed principally by the constitution and by legislation, and, where applicable, by the regional and international human-rights instruments the state has accepted. Their protection in practice depends on enforcement by independent courts and oversight bodies, and the precise catalogue, scope and available remedies vary by area of law. Regionally, Iran participates in the Arab League human-rights framework; at the universal level it is subject to the United Nations human-rights treaty bodies.
Key milestones
Higher-risk & getting help
This profile provides general legal orientation and is not a substitute for professional advice. For a specific matter or dispute in Iran, a lawyer qualified in the relevant jurisdiction should be consulted. Where they exist, legal-aid schemes, bar associations and official government services can help identify the appropriate forum and representation; in urgent situations affecting personal safety, local emergency services should be contacted first.
Official sources
About this profile
JusticeWiki profiles provide general legal orientation, not legal advice. Each section is reviewed and dated, and cites official sources so you can check the original. Found an error? Email us a correction and a reviewer will check it.