How is the head of Iran's judiciary chosen, and what does this imply about judicial independence?

• A. The Parliament elects the head of judiciary.
• B. The Supreme Leader appoints the head of judiciary, signaling limited independence and strong clerical control.
• C. The President appoints the head of judiciary.
• D. The head is selected by popular vote.

Answer: (B)

In Iran, the head of the judiciary is appointed by the Supreme Leader, not elected by Parliament, the President, or by popular vote. This setup places the judiciary under the highest religious-political authority in the country, ensuring that its leadership and direction stay aligned with the regime’s ideology and goals.

Because the Supreme Leader has ultimate authority over key state institutions, selecting the head of the judiciary signals limited judicial independence and strong clerical control. The judiciary serves within the framework set by the top religious authority, which can shape prosecutions, rulings, and reforms to fit the regime’s priorities rather than functioning as an entirely separate, neutral check on power.