How does the Supreme Leader supervise the judiciary?

• A. By appointing the Head of the Judiciary and influencing appointment of senior judges
• B. By directly interpreting laws
• C. By setting the annual budget for courts
• D. By publishing judicial opinions

Answer: (A)

In Iran, the Supreme Leader oversees the judiciary mainly through appointment authority. He designates the Head of the Judiciary, who then runs the courts, oversees prosecutors, and directs judicial administration. The Leader also has influence over the appointment of senior judges, ensuring that those in key positions align with the regime’s principles and policy goals. This combination of appointing the top judicial leader and shaping the higher ranks gives the Supreme Leader substantial control over how justice is administered.

The other options don’t fit because the Leader does not directly interpret laws, and the annual budget for courts is determined through the normal government and budget processes (with the Leader able to influence but not unilaterally set). Publishing judicial opinions is an activity of the judiciary itself, not a responsibility of the Supreme Leader.