The article first offers an overview of the justice system and the Islamization process it underwent after the 1979 revolution. The article lays out the function of law in negotiating the balance between the republican and authoritarian elements of the state, between the elected and non-elected institutions which the Islamic Republic combines. It shows how law is used to tip that balance between, on the one hand, elected institutions, civil society organizations and the political opposition, and on the other, the Leader’s office.

Keywords: Iran, justice system, Islamization process, civil society.