The Journal of Critical Analysis of Judicial Decisions

Author Guidelines for The Journal of Critical Analysis of Judicial Decisions

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Part I: Guidelines for Writing and Editing Articles

Articles submitted to The Journal of Critical Analysis of Judicial Decisions must include the following sections:

1. Abstract

2. Full Text of the Judicial Decision (if applicable)

3. Introduction

4. Main Body

5. Conclusion

6. References

1. Abstract Section

The abstract page should contain the article title, author(s)’ details, the abstract text, and keywords.

• Title: The title should be precise, concise, and engaging, and appear at the top of the first page.

• Author(s): List authors in order of contribution; if equal, names may be arranged alphabetically. Academic or professional titles such as Dr., Prof., or Eng. should not be used. Academic rank or judicial position, as well as email address, must be listed in the footnote on the first page. If there is a corresponding author, it must be clearly specified.

• Abstract Text: Should not exceed 300 words.

• Keywords: Include 4–7 keywords.

• Translation: The entire abstract page must be translated into either English or French.

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2. Judicial Decision Text (If Applicable)

If the article analyzes a specific judgment, the full text of the decision must be included after the abstract and before the introduction. A table providing the following information should be included:

Judgment Information (Without Appeal)

• Judgment Number:

• Date:

• Claim or Charge:

• Plaintiff / Defendant (public legal entities):

• Court of Jurisdiction:

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3. Introduction

The introduction should clearly state the main problem addressed. It should review prior research and relevant judicial decisions, explain the connection to the current study, and end with the author’s motivation or research objective.

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4. Main Body of the Article

The main text consists of two parts:

A. Description of the Decision

Provide a clear summary of the judgment or its key element(s). Depending on the article’s scope, this may include:

• Procedural Background

• Introduction of the Ruling

• Presentation of Arguments and Defenses

• Legal Reasoning and References

• Holding and Court Order

If the analysis focuses on a specific part (e.g., reasoning or evaluation of evidence), the description should be limited to that section.

B. Analytical Section

This part depends on the objective of the article and may address questions such as:

1. Does the decision demonstrate internal coherence and logical consistency between its sections? If not, what are the gaps?

2. Does it reflect a complete and structured account of the parties' arguments and defenses?

3. Has the principle of reasoned and well-sourced judgment writing been observed? If the law is ambiguous or silent, were general legal principles or sources appropriately applied?

4. Are the obligations and orders clearly and definitively stated?

5. What are the strengths, merits, or unique aspects of the decision?

6. How does the judgment fare in terms of fairness, justice, and fundamental legal principles?

7. Each analytical claim must be supported by authoritative sources or sound reasoning. The author is encouraged to review and revise any statements that lack sufficient justification.

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5. Conclusion

Summarize key findings and offer practical recommendations for improving judicial practices, legal reforms, or advancing legal doctrine.

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6. References

References should be organized in two sections: Persian and non-Persian sources, alphabetically (by the first author’s last name), without numbering.

Books:
Last name, First name (Year). Title of the Book, Edition (if applicable), City: Publisher.
Example:
Mirmohammad Sadeghi, Hossein (2017). Special Criminal Law, Vol. 2, 26th Edition, Tehran: Mizan Publications.

Articles:
Last name, First name (Year). "Title of the Article", Journal Title, Volume, Issue.
Example:
Khodabakhshi, Abdollah (2019). "Cases and Effects of Non-Enforceable Final Judgments", Dadgostar Legal Journal, Vol. 83, Issue 105.

Theses and Dissertations:
Last name, First name (Year). Title of the Thesis, City: University.
Example:
Yousefi, Ahmad (2017). The Role of Criminal Law Principles in the Iranian Legal System, Tehran: University of Tehran.

Electronic Sources:
Last name, First name. "Title of Article", Website Name, , Date Accessed.

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7. Word Count and Formatting

• Article length (excluding judicial decision text): between 4,000 and 8,000 words.

• Headings should be numbered right-to-left in Arabic numerals (e.g., 1-1, 1-2, etc.).

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Part II: Article Submission Guidelines

1. Submissions must be made exclusively through the journal’s online submission system. Submissions via email or hard copy will not be accepted.

2. Manuscript formatting must follow this font and size chart:

Abstracts in English or French

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4. Citation Style Guide (APA In-Text Referencing)

• Citations must follow APA-style in-text referencing format:
  (Author Last Name, Year: Page Number)
  Example: (Mirmohammad Sadeghi, 2017: 251)

• For two authors: (Rahpeik & Ghasemzadeh, 2012: 201–225)

• For more than two authors: (Gholami et al., 2010: 23)

• Avoid using "Ibid.", "op. cit.", or similar; always repeat full citation.

• Punctuation marks must come after the parenthesis.

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5. Anonymization Requirement

When submitting, all names of individuals and legal entities, as well as judges in judicial decisions, must be anonymized and represented by initials—except in cases from the Administrative Justice Court, where only private individuals’ and private legal entities’ names must be anonymized, and public institutions’ names can remain.

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Part III: Article Acceptance Policy

1. Only articles focusing on judicial analysis, critique, or review of decisions and legal procedures will be considered.

2. A maximum of two articles per year per author may be published; two additional articles may be submitted for peer review.

3. All submissions are subject to the double-blind peer review process.

4. Master’s students cannot submit independently; co-authorship with a faculty member or judicial professional is required.

5. By submitting to this journal, authors transfer the publication rights to The Journal of Critical Analysis of Judicial Decisions.

6. The editorial board reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit submitted manuscripts.

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