Modern Research in Decision Making

A Hierarchical Fuzzy Inference System for Applying Criminal Sentencing Mitigation Provisions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

mohsen amiri 1
reza madahi 2
bita yazdani 3
zahra beheshti 4

1 Ph.D. Student in Information Technology Management, Department of Management, Na.C.,, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Computer Engineering, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.

Abstract
Discrepancies in judicial rulings stemming from judges' broad discretionary powers in applying subjective sentence mitigation pose a fundamental challenge to the criminal justice system. This issue not only leads to inconsistencies in judicial decisions but also undermines public trust in the judicial system. The present study aims to reduce this heterogeneity and provide a systematic solution by designing an intelligent decision support system for judges, combining fuzzy inference and the Fuzzy DEMATEL method within a four-level hierarchical structure.
In the first step, using the Fuzzy DEMATEL method, the significance of each mitigating condition outlined in Article 38 of the Islamic Penal Code was determined based on input from six expert judges. This phase enabled precise prioritization of criteria influencing sentence mitigation. Subsequently, a hierarchical fuzzy system with an 83-rule knowledge base was designed, aligned with expert knowledge and legal principles. The implementation of this model on a real criminal case demonstrated its effectiveness in producing consistent and well-reasoned judicial opinions.
The primary innovation of this research lies in the novel integration of fuzzy and hierarchical methods within the realm of criminal law. This model not only provides an objective standard for applying sentence mitigation but also serves as a template for developing intelligent systems in other legal domains, such as determining restitution, mitigating financial crimes, or assessing aggravating circumstances. The findings of this study can significantly contribute to enhancing consistency in judicial rulings, reducing human errors, and increasing transparency in the adjudication process.

Keywords

Hierarchical Fuzzy Inference
Fuzzy Rule Base
Reduction in Criminal Sentence
Decision Support System
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