Britain's Law Society Withdraws Practice Note On Drafting Sharia-Compliant Wills

Last March, the Law Society of England and Wales issued a Practice Note to assist British solicitors whose clients ask them to draw up wills that comply with Sharia law. The Law Society's action drew criticism from those who objected that such wills may deny women an equal share of an estate and exclude "illegitimate" children or unbelievers. (See prior posting.) Yesterday the Law Society announced that it has withdrawn the Practice Note, saying in part:

Our practice note was intended to support members to better serve their clients as far as is allowed by the law of England and Wales.  We reviewed the note in the light of criticism. We have withdrawn the note and we are sorry.

The Telegraph reports on reaction to the Law Society's latest action.