The Conflict between the Principle of Istiṣḥāb and Darʼ Rule in Iranian Islamic Penal Code

Iranian Legislature has recognized the rule of darʼ (not enforcing punishments (ḥudūd) in cases of doubt) in articles 120, 121 of the Islamic penal code (1392) and has removed any criminality, responsibility and punishment due to this rule in doubtful cases. However, the legislature in other articles of this code, especially the articles 307, 308, 311, 114 ,115 has passed regulations on the basis of istiṣḥāb principle (legal presumption of continuity of the status quo in doubtful cases), some of which contrast with the necessities of darʼ rule, such as considering the crime intentional at the time of doubt about the perpetrator’s not having free will while committing the crime, providing retaliation for the perpetrator at the time of doubt about his insanity while committing the crime and considering the criminal entitled to punishment at the time of doubt about his repentance before the crime is proved. This article analyses these contradictory regulations and their resolutions.