Senate panel OKs foreign law court ban
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A bill designed to prevent Oklahoma judges from basing their rulings or decisions on foreign laws has passed a Senate committee.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 8-1 on Tuesday for the bill described by its author as ``American Law for American Courts.''
Republican Sen. Ralph Shortey of Oklahoma City says the bill would protect state citizens from the possibility that a judge might try to use ``foreign or religious laws'' to affect the outcome of a trial. Shortey says the bill is needed because a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2010 was struck down because it specifically prohibited courts from considering Islamic, or Sharia Law.
Republican Sen. Brian Crain of Tulsa described the bill as a ``solution that's looking for a problem.''
Online:
Senate Bill 951: http://bit.ly/VSuVKc
Copyright 2013, The Associated Press
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.