Head of Judiciary: The Iranian judiciary has never been independent of political influence. Until early last century it was controlled by the clergy. The system was later secularized, but after the revolution the Supreme Court revoked all previous laws that were deemed un-Islamic. New laws based on Sharia - law derived from Islamic texts and teachings - were introduced soon after. The judiciary ensures that the Islamic laws are enforced and defines legal policy. It also nominates the six lay members of the Guardian Council. The head of the judiciary is appointed by, and reports
Head of Judiciary: The Iranian judiciary has never been independent of political influence. Until early last century it was controlled by the clergy. The system was later secularized, but after the revolution the Supreme Court revoked all previous laws that were deemed un-Islamic. New laws based on Sharia - law derived from Islamic texts and teachings - were introduced soon after. The judiciary ensures that the Islamic laws are enforced and defines legal policy. It also nominates the six lay members of the Guardian Council. The head of the judiciary is appointed by, and reports