Theoretically, I agree with you. However, Sharia courts have a tendency towards extremism that is dangerous in the least. (I may be somewhat biased though by being in countries where Sharia courts were allowed to cut off fingers for smoking and undertake other similar practices. Sometimes they were practiced legally, other times, the law just gave a nod and a wink.)

Their methods of ensuring mutual agreement, even in western countries are often strict beyond belief, and so extremely high pressure as to make some of the old International Brotherhood of Teamster's methods of ensuring compliance under Hoffa seem mild.

Also, the formal recognition of it as an arbirtrary body gives authority that will help set precedence in cases, becoming in effect, common law, which may later have undue and undesirable influence upon standing legal practices.

But yeah, hardly suicide of the British nation. I mean really, I thought that was caused by the whole blood pudding thing.

P.S. How's the knitting going?

I saw the headline - BLARING - Sharia Law in the UK.  SO I had to read it.  And like you found that some smart Muslim Cleric had used a loop hole to move the Sharia courts from a "show only status" to legal status as an arbiter and that in order to be enforceable, both parties have to agree (not just be muslim either).

It was way over hyped, so I left it on the internet.  SO far a non-story.  But my cynicism is telling me to watch and wait.  And see if these "minorities" make it more than that.  Creeping incremetalism.  Unfortunately, my experience is that it will happen.  But like the eternal fool, I always hope they will not take the next step and realize that sometimes, leaving a pig in a poke, is not a bad thing.

I understand what you're saying, but as they are only legally allowed to arbitrate civil cases, not criminal, I don't see an issue here. Arbitration has been around for a very long time and since it isn't an actual court of law I don't see legal precedence being set through arbitration By definition arbitration is just two parties using a third party to negotiate a contract.

The knitting is going well. I finished the sweater and am now doing some baby booties for folks expecting babies in December. How goes yours?

I agree.

Arbitration is a great thing.  The problem with not having legal status is that they could be called upon to arbitrate, make a decision, and then that decision is not legally enforcable.  Well, now it is.  If you don't like the Sharia courts, don't have your arbitration hearing there.

That's pretty much how I feel about it as well.

Slow. Still working on my illusion scarf, and about a quarter of the way through the first girl. My fault for going too complex.

Cool, I haven't tried any illusion knitting yet. On the to do list. Look forward to seeing yours.