Enhancing the Restorative Justice Approach in Iranian Judicial Courts: Design Solutions to Overcome Obstacles
 
Authors: Seyedeh Forough Derakhshan, Maryam Ekhtiari & Shahram Ebrahimi
To cite this article: Derakhshan, S. D., Ekhtiari, M. & Ebrahimi, S. (2024) Enhancing the Restorative Justice Approach in Iranian Judicial Courts: Design Solutions to Overcome Obstacles, Internet Journal of Restorative Justice. ISSN (online): 2056-2985
 
Abstract
Our study explores the key factors influencing the criminal justice system in Iran, specifically examining how the architectural design of judicial courts can impact the effectiveness and fairness of the system. The study reveals that the prevailing design of Iranian judicial courts adheres to the traditional criminal justice system, which poses obstacles to achieving specific criminal justice system goals. To address this issue, we propose solutions to transform the layout of judicial courts towards a maximalist restorative justice approach. The primary objective of this article is to explore how the design of judicial courts can be optimized to strengthen the restorative justice approach. To achieve this, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the fundamentals of the restorative justice approach. Subsequently, qualitative data was collected through interviews with 20 experts, and a thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA12 software. The findings of this study highlight three main themes that influence the strength of the restorative justice approach in judicial courts: structural, behavioral, and environmental factors. Each theme presents specific obstacles that hinder the implementation of restorative justice principles within the judicial system. In response to these obstacles, design solutions are proposed to address the challenges associated with each theme. This research sheds light on the potential of architectural design to enhance the restorative justice approach in Iranian judicial courts. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the reform of criminal justice systems, with a specific focus on the role of design in promoting restorative justice principles. By implementing the proposed design solutions, Iranian judicial courts can facilitate a more effective and transformative approach to justice, benefiting both victims and offenders.
 
Keywords: Restorative justice, Criminal justice system, Judicial courts, Architectural design, Qualitative research, Thematic analysis