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It is entirely disingenuous to refer to these gatherings as courts and even more so to refer to them as ADR. It may very well be that some of them operate quite fairly but where is the oversight on those that do not?

Alternative Dispute Resolution is not a substitute for proper courts and we only have to look at the disgraceful use of this system in the United States to see why it is faulty. The oppressive use of 'arbitration' stacked in the favour of large corporations undermines any concept of justice, especially since this practice is shrouded in secrecy and totally binding.

Sharia 'courts' if they are necessary at all should be overseen by our judiciary and their rulings cancelled if any undue influence is detected, or anywhere that the decision is contrary to English Law.

All those acting as judges or arbitrators at these proceedings should be properly qualified in law (English & European Law) and subject to sanction for malpractice.

The most obvious problem with introducing exclusive courts is where we draw the line. Can we have Masonic Courts? Should we have Honour Courts? What about Star Chambers and Drumhead Courts Martial? After all, they too are forms of ADR.