23 March 2014

Islamic law to be enshrined in British law as solicitors get guidelines on 'Sharia compliant' wills

.... Nicholas Fluck, president of The Law Society told the newspaper that the document, which would be recognised by Britain’s courts, would promote “good practice” in applying Islamic principles in the British legal system.

But some lawyers have described the recommendations as “astonishing” and campaigners have warned that the move marks a step towards a “parallel legal system” for Britain’s Muslim communities.

[A COMMENT] The whole idea of a law is that it applies to everyone, equally. That is what a law is. If we allow Sharia to operate as a separate, parallel, legal code, then we are no longer living under the rule of law.

I realise that of course the Law Society's advice will not alter the law of the land. It will, however, alter the way the law is applied. In legal theory there will be no change. In legal practice there will be. Some groups will become legally privileged over others as a result.

[ANOTHER] It is fairly obvious what the Law Society are doing. They are touting for business. They are trying to help their members get some fees for drawing up "Sharia-compliant" wills for those that want them.

"The Law Society seems determined to sacrifice the progress made in the last 500 years." Well, yes, quite right. But never underestimate the attraction of a fee. Wave money under their noses and lawyers will do literally anything. [The Independent] Read more