Invalidates

Malaysia’s Top Court Invalidates State Laws, Raising Concerns for Religious Courts

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia’s highest court has recently invalidated more than a dozen state laws based on Shariah, citing that they infringe on federal authority. This decision has drawn criticism from Islamist leaders, who argue that it undermines the religious courts. The ruling does not overturn Sharia law but rather restricts the states from passing their own versions of Sharia law. The federal government maintains that separate standards cannot be set at the state level. The decision by the top court reinforces the presence of Islamic law in Malaysia, stating that Sharia law applies … Read more

Israeli Supreme Court Invalidates Controversial Law Limiting Judicial Review, Reinforces Democratic Principles

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The Israeli Supreme Court has invalidated a controversial law that restricted the review of government policies for “reasonableness.” The law, which aimed to weaken the independence of the judiciary and other gatekeepers, was met with significant opposition and protests throughout the country. The court’s decision marks a landmark ruling on the limits of the Knesset as a constituent assembly and its authority to enact basic laws. Israel has experienced a tumultuous year, with internal and external conflicts pushing the country to its limits. The October 7 attack by Hamas, which targeted Israel as a Jewish … Read more