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Sharia law

Discussion in 'Other law subjects' started by KerrieH, May 4, 2011.

  1. KerrieH Law student

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    Is there a place for Sharia law within the English legal system? I am curious to know if this is actually being used, officially or not, in any part of the UK.
    KerrieH, May 4, 2011
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  2. Tansy New law student

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    As I understand it, as long ago as 2008, there were Sharia courts operating in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Bradford under the Arbitration Act 1996 run by Sheikh Faiz-ul-Aqtab Siddiqi. I'm not aware that anything has changed.
    Tansy, May 4, 2011
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  3. MrsAW New law student

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    Muslims regularly use Sharia law in their own communities for simple misdemeanours such as divorce, domestic violence and financial matters, but it will not apply to non Muslims.
    MrsAW, May 5, 2011
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  4. KerrieH Law student

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    Thanks for the info. I'd like to hear more about your opinions on this being used. For me there are two issues: the way Sharia law impacts women, and the whole argument about whether a legal sysyem can be partioned off like this.
    KerrieH, May 6, 2011
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  5. MrsAW New law student

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    I'm uncomfortable with any two-tier system. It's akin to me living in Saudia Arabia and having my own UK law court judging me, which would not be allowed. Of course they call it "Arbitration" here.
    MrsAW, May 6, 2011
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  6. KerrieH Law student

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    That's a good point MrsAW. Something I hear a lot is that we should be prepared to live by the rules of the place we are visiting or living in. Having said that, I do wonder if British nationals who get into trouble with things like drugs in countries with strict laws get some leniency. It's not quite the same but would at least be a nod to the cultural background of the accused.
    KerrieH, May 9, 2011
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  7. Kakimy New law student

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    Sharia law doesn't conflict with UK law. In Islam religion is law and therefore muslims must abide by it. As long as they're not implementing their laws on non-muslims I don't see the problem.
    The UK law courts aren't a religious system, if it were a Christian issue and Saudi was more open minded then it wouldn't be a problem. There are many countries that have different religions and each religion has its own set of laws that are abided by their followers. No problemo.
    Kakimy, Dec 26, 2011
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  8. mike Law student

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    This statement is not correct. The legal system gives rights and privileges (or takes them away) to all its citizens. If there are no conflicting laws than there is no need for a different system, so the existence of the system, in the UK, indicates that there are areas that conflict.

    Having said that, I do think LSF should have a special area for Sharia law as it is very relevant and interesting to learn more about, anyone second that?
    mike, Dec 28, 2011
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  9. Lawyer Ju New law student

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    If you want you legal system taken over then by all means allow it. If you don't then you are making the smart choice. you cannot have two legal systems... and look at what happens to countries governed by that law?
    Lawyer Ju, Jan 23, 2012
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