News Science

News Science

The Legal Responsibility of the Media in Publishing Content Related to Dowry

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Maryam Beheshtifar 1
Zahra Taheripour 2
1 Family Law MA Student, Faculty of Welfare, Tehran, Iran. Email: mb.scholarly@gmail.com
2 Corresponding author, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Welfare, Tehran, Iran. Email: taheripour@refah.ac.ir
10.22034/lrsi.2026.580187.1521
Abstract
Objective: Dowry (Mahr) constitutes one of the most significant institutions within Iranian family law and plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial rights of women within the marital relationship. In recent years, traditional and digital media have increasingly shaped public perceptions of dowry through news reporting, social media content, and public discourse. This study aims to examine the legal responsibility of media organizations in addressing the issue of dowry and to analyze the circumstances under which media representations may give rise to material or moral harm, thereby incurring civil liability.
Method: This research was conducted using a descriptive–analytical method based on library and documentary sources. Relevant legal regulations, jurisprudential texts, scholarly studies in family law and media law, and selected media content pertaining to dowry were reviewed and analyzed qualitatively. The study focuses on the legal dimensions of media responsibility rather than establishing empirical causation between media content and social outcomes.
Results: The findings indicate that certain media representations of dowry tend to emphasize exceptional and controversial cases- such as exorbitant dowries and family disputes-while devoting less attention to the legal and social functions of dowry. Such representations may contribute to misconceptions and unrealistic expectations among audiences. Nevertheless, civil liability cannot be established solely on the basis of statistical associations. The legal responsibility of media organizations requires proof of a harmful act, actual damage, causation, and fault, in accordance with the established principles of civil liability.
Conclusion: Media institutions are required to observe professional standards of accuracy, fairness, and social responsibility when addressing family-related legal issues. Where misleading or inaccurate representations of dowry give rise to identifiable and legally provable harm, the possibility of imposing civil liability may arise. Strengthening legal literacy, promoting expert participation in media discussions, and encouraging balanced coverage can contribute to a more accurate public understanding of dowry and mitigate potential social harms.
Keywords
Media
Dowry
Civil Liability
Family Law
Damage
منابع
 
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