I think the use of Sharia law probably does happen in the US. There have been instances in Canada as well where domestic disputes were "solved" by the community elders rather than through the court system.

I put the word "solved" in quotation marks as no person of western descent would consider these rulings appropriate as they elders always find in favour of the man, no matter what he has done.

The difference in Canada is that these judgements are not considered legal in the court system and would not be enforced.

But, in situations where the entire city or community, including the enforcement officials, are muslim I could see the potential of this occurring.

Doesn't England still use the travelling magistrates? They go from city to city to rule in certain cases to ensure that the laws are standard throughout the country. Are they ignoring these cities perhaps?

Odd - but I'm glad to hear that they are clamping down on it. Sharia law is grossly unfair to women and children as its base assumption is that they are the property of the husband, and have no rights of their own. That may not have been the original intention of the laws, but it is certainly how they are practised.

Mary