Comparative Study on the Feasibility of Criminalizing Non-Standard Structures in Iranian Criminal Law (With a View to the Laws of Iran, France, Germany, and Turkey)

Abstract

In recent years, following unfortunate incidents in the country, the necessity of revising regulations to counter and reduce issues related to structures and buildings has become evident. Consequently, the Center for the Drafting of Regulations of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, as the legislative body of Iran, has issued recommendations on this matter. Parallel to this, a letter from 18 mayors of major cities across the country addressed to the heads of the three branches of government has requested the criminalization of non-standard or unauthorized construction without compliance with regulations. Furthermore, public opinion has not forgotten the bitter memories of recent disasters, which have, in a way, led to social convergence and public acceptance of the issue. The Iranian legislator has also taken steps towards drafting new regulations to address societal demands. This research aims to examine the status of regulations and standards governing non-standard construction and related building phenomena. It further seeks to identify enforcement measures in other countries, the drafting quality of these regulations, and how these countries address the issue. By comparing the effective regulatory functions of other countries and explaining the aspects of deterrent measures or, as applicable, the criminalization of the subject, the regulations of other countries will be compared with Iranian domestic regulations, with findings aimed to assist legislators.