Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution issued a decree on August 14, 2009 appointing Hojjatoleslam Sheikh Sadegh Amoli Larijani as the head of the judiciary. The full text of the decree is as follows:
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Dear Hojjatoleslam-val-Muslemin Sheikh Sadegh Amoli Larijani,
Since Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi's extended term in the judiciary branch has come to a close, I express my gratitude and appreciation for his selfless efforts and valuable and unforgettable services, and according to Article 157 of the Constitution, I hereby appoint you - who are among the prominent scholars of Qom seminary and enjoy the spirit and capability of innovation - as the head of the judiciary branch of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
After the passage of three decades since the establishment of the new system of justice and after gaining invaluable experience and going through inevitable trial and error, it is reasonable to expect the judiciary of the Islamic Republic to be healthy in its foundations, firm in observing the rules, and prompt in administering justice. And the officials of this large organization and its affiliates must make every effort and use every innovation to fulfill the expectations. Considering the existence of a large portion of the necessary infrastructure and your scholarly and practical qualifications, I sincerely hope that your term of management will be considered a period of flourishment for the judiciary branch.
I pray to Allah the Exalted to bestow success on you and your esteemed colleagues as well as the honorable judges.
Sayyid Ali Khamenei
Mordad 23, 1388