Criminal Justice in Islam

Book excerpt: Where do Islamic courts still operate in the modern world? What training does an Islamic judge receive? How does an Islamic court deal with a criminal case? What proof and evidence does it accept? What penalties may an Islamic judge impose in criminal matters? What law and practice do the Islamic judges apply to transgressions by Westerners in Saudi Arabia, whether they be accused of murder, adultery or drinking alcohol? This book attempts to answer all the above crucial, basic yet difficult questions of Islamic law. A formidable array of judicial talent considers all aspects of Islamic criminal procedure with the firm emphasis on its practical application in modem states today. Controversial cases are dealt with and explained from an Islamic point of view with the aim of informing a Western audience of the objectivity and fair process inherent in the Islamic system.