Recent class discussions and readings have made me reflect how fortunate I am as a Canadian citizen to live under a fair system of law, unlike many nations in the world today.

In Canada, we are governed by Common Law, as is the UK and her past colonies. With Common Law case proceedings are carried out in court systems and judges can interpret the situation. Canada is also governed by Civil Law though, but just in Quebec. Civil Law is the most popular system in the world and follows set law codes. Both systems are effective and fair and are used by the majority of free nations around the world.

Outside of Civil and Common Law another legal system, Muslim (Sharia) Law, dominates the Middle East and parts of Northern Africa. The controversial legal system is solely based on the Islamic Religion and takes the word of God from the Quran as the rule of law. The results are devastating on the exposed society.

Saudi Arabia is an example of a current nation run by Sharia Law and because of it has become a country described by some as “stuck in the medieval ages”. The legal system suppresses freedom of speech and citizens can be jailed or beaten just for criticizing the ruling government or questioning Islamic rule. Women are beaten for committing what is deemed adultery, even under cases of rape, and are ruled by their husband. The country is the definition of a dystopian civilization and yet was a member of the UN Human Rights Council.

The idea of such a legal system being widely used as it is in the 21st Century is absolutely ludicrous and yet its grasp over vast populations remains uncontested by major world powers including the US and UK. While I implore for a time when anyone can express their beliefs without being lashed, it is unlikely considering Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical power and influence on world economies.

As a Canadian Citizen I will never take my freedoms and rights for granted and hope the rest of the suppressed world may be able to experience a proper legal system.