The Jurisprudential–Legal Nature of Custom and Its Reflection in Substantive Criminal Law of Iran
Keywords:
Custom (ʿUrf), Criminal Laws, Substantive Law, Islamic Jurisprudence, LawAbstract
Many classical, later, and contemporary Islamic jurists, including Ruhollah Khomeini, have paid particular attention to the significance of custom (ʿurf). The position of custom and its dynamic nature in jurisprudential and legal discussions become evident when considered in light of the elements of time and place. The principal question of this study is: What position does custom occupy within substantive criminal law? The study is based on the hypothesis that the specific concept of custom in substantive criminal matters has established a distinct and special status for it compared to other branches of law. The objective is to examine the concept of custom from both jurisprudential and legal perspectives and to explain its validity within the domain of substantive criminal law, particularly with regard to criminal liability and the determination of punishments. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical method. The findings indicate that although custom cannot serve as a jurisprudential or statutory source of criminal law and therefore cannot constitute the legal basis for criminal prosecution or conviction, it can nevertheless play a significant role in three areas: the formation of legal rules, the interpretation of legal provisions, and the application of legal rules.
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