Journal of Historical Research, Law and Policy 3115-7505 2 Serial Number 7 2024 07 10 Exploring the Legal Meaning of Political Voice in Authoritarian Contexts Exploring the Legal Meaning of Political Voice in Authoritarian Contexts 10 18 EN Journal Article 2024 05 12 <p>This study aims to explore how individuals interpret and navigate the legal meaning of political voice within the authoritarian legal system of Iran. A qualitative research design was employed using a phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences of citizens in an authoritarian context. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 participants from Tehran, including legal professionals, civil society actors, and politically engaged citizens. Theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring thematic depth. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. NVivo software was used for data coding, organization, and visualization. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and participant anonymity, were rigorously maintained throughout the research process. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the legal boundaries of political voice, including the role of vague laws, selective enforcement, and judiciary complicity in silencing dissent; (2) informal expressions of political voice, such as artistic expression, digital anonymity, coded language, and private discourse; and (3) the interplay of risk, agency, and moral justification in deciding when and how to speak politically. Participants described navigating a precarious legal landscape with awareness of risk, often balancing fear with ethical commitment to civic responsibility. Despite legal constraints, political voice persisted through creative, strategic, and contextually grounded forms of expression. In authoritarian contexts like Iran, political voice is not merely suppressed but reconfigured through legal ambiguity, cultural adaptation, and individual agency. The findings underscore the importance of understanding political participation beyond formal mechanisms, recognizing the nuanced ways in which law shapes, constrains, and inspires political expression under repression.</p> https://www.jhrlp.com/index.php/jhrlp/article/download/38/38