Shirin Ebadi

Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian lawyer who served as one of Iran’s first female judges. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Ebadi was dismissed by the new Iranian government on account of her gender.

Her Journey

After her dismissal, Ebadi worked as a lawyer and defended women and dissidents of the Iranian regime, as well as assisting the government in drafting various laws aimed at protecting violence against children.

She also assisted in reforming Iran’s divorce laws.

However, her most prominent achievement was winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.

She was recognised by the committee as playing an integral role in advancing human rights and democracy, as well as fighting for greater protections for women and children.

Represented Singapore at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) G7 meetings on global anti-money laundering standards.

Ebadi was the first Muslim woman and first Iranian woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

The average annual salary for lawyers at reputable organisations is around $139,000 USD.

Lawyers in Iran generally experience a moderate to high standard of living, similar to their counterparts in other countries.

Iran itself has a relatively low cost of living, meaning these salaries are sufficient to achieve a comfortable lifestyle.

Workplace culture in Iranian legal offices is characterised by a hierarchical structure and an emphasis on relationships and respect for seniority and customs.

In Iran, Article 4 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran states that Islam is the country’s official religion, and all laws should adhere to Islamic principles. However the judiciary system is an independent system. Here are some changes:

The Sharia did not have an appeals system and gave local judges the final say. Now, serious crimes can now be appealed to the Provincial Appeals Court or the Supreme Court of Cassation.

Traditionally corporal punishments were utilised. The legal system has introduced long-term imprisonment, in tandem to the Sharia law.

Circumstantial evidence was not allowed to be used in cases. It is now allowed to be used to decide a case.

Australia

• Based on common law tradition inherited from the UK.

• Entirely secular; no religious role in lawmaking.

• 1901 Constitution emphasizes federalism and parliamentary democracy.

• Judges trained in common law; jury trials used in major criminal cases.

Iran

• Based on Islamic (Sharia) law combined with civil law.

• Religious authorities (e.g., Guardian Council) review laws for compliance with Islam.

• 1979 Constitution emphasizes Islam as the guiding principle.

• Judges trained in Islamic jurisprudence; no jury system.