Court Considering Prohibiting International Law

A federal appeals court in Denver is considering Oklahoma’s voter approved law that prohibits state courts from considering international law or Islamic law when deciding cases.

A federal judge in November blocked implementation of State Question 755. It was approved by 70 percent of voters Nov. 2.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments in the case on Monday.

The executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma, Muneer Awad, filed the lawsuit.

The lawsuit says in part that the measure transforms Oklahoma’s Constitution into an enduring condemnation of Islam by singling it out.

Legal experts say the measure is unnecessary. Courts only consider international law when deciding issues involving a federal treaty, a business contract or a will that incorporates international law.