Legislative Criminal Policy in the Prevention of Road and Urban Development Crimes in Iran

Abstract

This article examines Iran’s legislative criminal policy in the fields of transport, urban development, and land management, with particular emphasis on its preventive and regulatory dimensions. It explores how fragmented and reactive legislation has limited the effectiveness of crime prevention in key sectors such as intercity road safety, illegal construction, and land grabbing. The study identifies major gaps in legal coherence, enforcement capacity, and institutional coordination, while highlighting areas of progress such as the 2013 Comprehensive Cadastre Law and the integration of digital monitoring systems. By analyzing the theoretical foundations, historical evolution, and practical implications of Iran’s legislative criminal policy, the article argues that modernization requires a shift from punitive deterrence to proactive prevention. Technological instruments such as smart surveillance, GPS tracking, and big data analytics offer promising tools for reducing crime and improving transparency, but their success depends on clear legal frameworks governing privacy, accountability, and data governance. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive codification of criminal provisions, the adoption of restorative and alternative sanctions, and the strengthening of inter-institutional collaboration among legislative, judicial, and executive bodies. The article concludes that Iran’s criminal policy can achieve greater coherence and public trust by embracing integrated governance, preventive technology, and principled legislative reform aligned with international standards of legality, proportionality, and justice.