A Novel Judicial Governance Model for Sustainable Development: From Sustainable to Smart, Impartial, and Inclusive Justice
Subject Areas : Judical GovernanceNima Norouzi 1 , Seyyed Samsameddin Qavami 2
1 - Department of Jurisprudence and Law, Faculty of Sciences and Knowledge, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom Seminary, Qom, Iran
2 - Director of the Islamic Management Jurisprudence Foundation and External Lecturer, Qom Seminary, Qom, Iran
Keywords: Sustainable Justice, Smart Justice, Impartial Justice, Inclusive Justice, Judicial Governance, Sustainable Development Goals,
Abstract :
This paper explores the design and implementation of a novel judicial governance model aligned with the principles and objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Traditional judicial systems, often limited to resolving disputes and enforcing existing laws, face increasing challenges in addressing contemporary issues such as environmental sustainability, social inequality, and technological transformation. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a comprehensive framework built upon four core pillars: sustainable justice, smart justice, impartial justice, and inclusive justice. Sustainable justice emphasizes intergenerational fairness and the preservation of livelihoods and natural resources, ensuring that judicial decisions contribute to long-term stability. Smart justice leverages digital technologies, including online courts, big data, and artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. Impartial justice guarantees equality before the law, free from discrimination or external influence, while inclusive justice focuses on providing fair access to legal services for marginalized and vulnerable groups. The findings suggest that integrating these four pillars can transform the judiciary from a reactive legal body into a proactive institution of governance, capable of promoting justice, equity, and sustainable societal development. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for adopting this model in national contexts, highlighting the importance of political will, institutional reform, and international cooperation in advancing judicial sustainability.
