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Verbal Aggression in the Iran`s Criminal Justice System: Psychological Causes, Challenges, and Solutions

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 , Judge & PhD student, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Psychology, in the context of both crime commission and issues related to punishment, criminal responsibility, and criminal capacity, is deeply connected to criminal law. Criminal law and criminology intersect with psychological studies at various stages of the criminal process—ranging from legislation to the enforcement of punishment and beyond. In the legislative stage, certain psychological concepts and values have received criminal protection. During adjudication, issues related to proving mens rea (the mental state) arise, while at the enforcement stage, topics such as criminal responsibility, criminal capacity, rehabilitation, and treatment processes come into play. Even after the execution of punishment, discussions on recidivism remain linked to psychological matters. One of the psychological concepts protected under criminal law is aggression. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Iran’s penal policy in addressing verbal aggression and to analyze the psychological, social, and cultural causes influencing it. The primary objective is to identify the challenges of the current penal policy in controlling this crime and to propose solutions based on social psychology and restorative justice. This article seeks to answer why traditional responses, such as imprisonment and flogging, have not only failed to reduce verbal aggression but, in some cases, have even contributed to its increase. Additionally, the study aims to integrate criminal law and psychology to design an effective model for repairing damaged relationships and preventing reoffending.
 
Methodology
This research employs a descriptive-analytical method, relying on library sources, Iranian legal documents, and interdisciplinary studies. Data collection is conducted through content analysis of criminal laws related to verbal aggression (such as insult, threats, and defamation) and a systematic review of psychological theories on aggression. A comparative analysis of restorative justice approaches and modern criminal policies is also performed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current system. The research methodology is based on a qualitative analysis of psychological and social factors influencing crime commission, alongside a critique of the current punitive policies. After examining the concepts of aggression, verbal aggression, and criminal verbal aggression and their psychological causes, the study evaluates the effectiveness of Iran’s penal policy in responding to these crimes. The article addresses the following key questions: Is the existing penal policy effective? What measures can be taken to enhance the effectiveness of Iran’s criminal justice system in addressing these offenses?
 
Findings
Aggression, in behavioral psychology, is an intentional act (physical or verbal) aimed at harming another person and causing distress. Some forms of verbal aggression, including insults, threats, and satire, have been criminalized under Iranian law, establishing a direct connection between criminal law and social psychology. This research introduces the concept of "criminal verbal aggression" for these offenses. The findings indicate that Iran’s criminal policy toward verbal aggression primarily relies on traditional punishments such as imprisonment, flogging, and fines. However, these measures lack the necessary effectiveness in reducing crime rates. Iran’s criminal justice responses not only fail to control this crime but may also, in some cases, contribute to its escalation. Among the reasons for this inefficiency are the neglect of the psychological roots of aggression (such as personality, situational, and cultural factors), the disregard for victims' needs, and the failure to implement preventive strategies. Studies show that punitive sanctions neither rehabilitate offenders nor deter crime; instead, they fuel cycles of anger and vengeance, increasing the likelihood of recidivism.
 
Innovation (Value)
The novelty of this research lies in integrating criminal law with findings from social psychology and proposing a comprehensive model for reforming current policies. The article suggests establishing "personality files" for offenders of verbal aggression, implementing developmental and social prevention strategies, and incorporating restorative justice principles such as mediation, victim participation, and compensation. These approaches move beyond traditional punitive measures. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need to align criminal penalties with psychological research by replacing imprisonment, flogging, and fines with alternative sanctions, such as mandatory participation in skill-building programs or psychological treatments. The research critiques the one-dimensional nature of criminal laws and underscores the necessity of redefining verbal aggression within the framework of human interactions and fundamental rights.
 
Conclusion
In social psychology, theories such as drive theory, social learning theory, and the general aggression model explain the causes of aggression. While early psychologists like Sigmund Freud believed that aggression was genetic and hereditary, most contemporary psychologists reject this view, emphasizing that aggression results from various social, economic, cultural, personal, and situational factors.
Criminal policy responses to verbal aggression cannot be effective without considering insights from social psychology. Aggression is a behavior with psychological roots, yet Iranian legislators have not sufficiently addressed these psychological factors in drafting and enforcing penalties. Iran’s criminal justice system requires a fundamental transformation in its approach to verbal aggression, shifting from purely punitive measures to rehabilitative and preventive strategies.
The study’s primary conclusion is that implementing restorative justice, reducing reliance on imprisonment, and focusing on psychological and social factors—such as personality assessments, ethical training, and economic improvements—can provide effective solutions for reducing verbal aggression. Additionally, the research recommends establishing comprehensive databases, strengthening mediation mechanisms, and training judges in emotional regulation to align criminal policy with societal needs. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the need to revise criminal norms through interdisciplinary research, prioritizing prevention over punishment.
 

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Criminal Law Research
Volume 13, Issue 48
October 2024
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