Analyzing the Role of Judicial Interpretations of the Administrative Justice Court in the Restriction or Expansion of Citizens’ Administrative Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

The Administrative Justice Court (AJC), as the highest authority for reviewing administrative disputes in the Islamic Republic of Iran, plays a unique role in interpreting administrative laws and regulations. Judicial interpretations of this court, particularly in its unifying verdicts, significantly impact both governmental decision-making and the definition of citizens’ administrative rights. This article aims to investigate the practical role of the AJC’s judicial interpretations in either restricting or expanding administrative rights through a field-based approach. By analyzing over 120 key decisions issued by the court’s chambers and General Board between 2014 and 2024, this research identifies interpretive patterns and their consequences on citizens’ administrative entitlements. The findings indicate that while a significant portion of the court’s interpretations tend to be expansionist—advocating for the protection of public rights—some restrictive rulings are observed in certain domains, often due to legislative ambiguities or implementation constraints. Using qualitative content analysis and thematic categorization, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the AJC’s function in Iran’s legal system and offers a foundation for legislative improvement and enhanced transparency in administrative law.