The shifting landscape of Iraq’s judiciary: increased judicial activism, centralisation and politicisation after 2017

Examines the evolution of Iraq’s judicial system after 2003.

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of Iraq’s judicial system after 2003, focusing on the increasing centralisation of judicial power and the rise of judicial activism.

This research is supported by the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PeaceRep).

Citation

Iraq Watch Group. ‘The shifting landscape of Iraq’s judiciary: increased judicial activism, centralisation and politicisation after 2017’ PeaceRep Research Paper, Middle East Centre, London School of Economics, 2025

The shifting landscape of Iraq’s judiciary: increased judicial activism, centralisation and politicisation after 2017

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Published 10 December 2025