Approaches of Interpretation of Constitutional Law in Iran and the United States

Although the interpretation of constitutional law is not an exception to general interpretation of law, it is of high significance and prominence due to its enjoying the same value as the constitution and its interrelation with socio-political problems.These features have given rise to a variety of authorities for its interpretation in various political systems.On the other hand, the two principal legal systems in the world have proposed different methods for description and classification of interpretiveapproaches in this field. Interpretive approaches of Romano- Germanic legal system- based on historical and scientific development of interpretation of civil law in France- are as follows: literal approach, historical approach, and free scientific approach.Interpretive approaches of the common law system- based on practical experience and philosophical as well as linguistic studiesare textualism, originalism, and pragmatism. Although in terms of the way of choosing members, the U.S Supreme Court isconsidered a politico- judicial authority, and the Guardians Council of IRI is an authority with jurisprudential and legal tendencies, both benefit from various interpretive approaches. The interpretive literature of common law system is more qualified than theinterpretive approaches available in the written legal system to describe the approaches of the two authorities.