Journal of Research and Development in Comparative Law

Journal of Research and Development in Comparative Law

The Prosecutor's Activism in Court Proceedings: A Comparative Study of Iranian and French Law

Articles in Press

Document Type : scientific research paper

10.22034/law.2025.2045381.1482
Abstract
The Iranian Code of Criminal Procedure (ICCP) mandates the compulsory presence of the prosecutor or their representative in first-instance criminal courts (Court of Criminal 1), whereas it allows their participation to be discretionary in second-instance courts (Court of Criminal 2). However, the law fails to offer explicit and comprehensive guidelines on the specific role, scope, and manner of the prosecutor's involvement in these proceedings. This legal ambiguity has led to a situation where the prosecutor assumes a largely passive position, primarily focusing on appeals and cassation after the judgment has been rendered, rather than playing an active role in the trial phase. Such a limited engagement undermines the prosecutor's essential functions, including their supervisory role and active involvement in the fact-finding process, thereby restricting their influence to appellate stages alone.

In contrast, under French criminal procedural law, the prosecutor holds a more robust and active role in the judicial process. French law mandates the prosecutor's consistent and proactive presence in both trial and appellate phases of criminal cases. Furthermore, the prosecutor in France is not only involved in hearings but also plays a pivotal role in shaping criminal policy, engaging in close collaborations with judges, and providing guidance throughout the proceedings. The prosecutor’s involvement extends beyond merely representing the state’s interest; they are integral to the development of case law, the implementation of justice, and the formulation of public criminal policy. In this sense, the prosecutor is considered an essential figure in steering the criminal justice process and ensuring its alignment with the principles of fairness and legal integrity.

This article offers a comparative analysis of the role of the prosecutor in Iran and France, focusing on the disparities between the two systems in terms of prosecutorial engagement during criminal trials. It explores how the lack of continuous prosecutor involvement in Iranian trials, coupled with an overemphasis on post-verdict appeals, has resulted in a diminished role for the prosecutor in guiding the trial process. The article also examines the broader consequences of this limited role, particularly its impact on judicial independence and the effective administration of criminal justice. In conclusion, the article provides several recommendations for reforming the Iranian criminal justice system, with a specific focus on strengthening the prosecutor's role in the trial phase, in order to enhance the overall fairness, transparency, and efficiency of criminal proceedings.
Keywords
Procureur'؛
'؛ Tribunal
'؛ '؛
Politique pénale'؛ Substitut du procureur
'؛
'؛ Dossier de personnalité'

Subjects

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Journal of Research and Development in Comparative Law

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 September 2025