The position of Guilds in Iran's Criminal Policy

Document Type : Scientific research

Authors

• majid mohammadi nasrabad ¹
• mohamadali hajidehabadi ²

¹ PhD Candidate , Department of Law, University of QOM, Qom, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Law, University of QOM, Qom, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/economlaw.2025.94112.1466

Abstract

The position of social institutions in resolving interpersonal conflicts within society is highly influential and beneficial from various perspectives, both for the community and the judicial system. This article explores the role of professional guilds as a manifestation of peace-oriented social institutions and outlines the challenges of utilizing their capacities within Iran’s criminal policy.
Although the study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach and relies on library resources, the authors have sought to strengthen the research by conducting in-depth interviews with guild officials in Yasuj County. The key findings of this paper indicate that the most significant foundations justifying the participation of guilds in Iran’s criminal policy are rooted in the principles of people-centered and integrated criminal justice strategies. These include the societal duty to foster peace and reconciliation through non-violent means, widespread non-criminal oversight and care, and mutual assistance in resolving disputes with a benevolent approach. Additionally, other justifications include preventing the stigmatization of individuals, reducing the costs of the judiciary, and alleviating the burden on the criminal justice system. The application of guilds’ roles in criminal policy emerges within the framework of integrated criminal justice, based on both proactive and reactive responses. A justice-oriented model of integrated criminal policy is designed and implemented with a priority on actions that reflect social realities. It aims to enhance public welfare, safeguard the economic, social, and cultural rights of individuals, and ultimately reduce reliance on the criminal justice system.

Keywords

• Civil institution
• crime
• participatory criminal policy
• proactive responses
• non-criminal public care

Main Subjects

• Criminal Law and Criminology

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