Using American Laws for American Courts

NEWS RELEASE    ---     From the Office of Representative Shelley Keeney - 156^th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT:    Rep. Shelley Keeney
April 22, 2011	(573) 751-5912

 Using American Laws for American Courts

Despite a short week, we continued to make progress on common-sense reforms for Missouri.  One of the bills that was debated and passed this week is HB 708 – American Law for American Courts.

Unless you’re a lawyer, going to court is often bad.  You may be getting sued, or suing someone or something terrible has happened that brings you to court – and/or you face being fined or imprisoned. It can be a confusing and stressful time – even under American laws.

Now imagine you go to court, and instead of using American law, the judge decides that he’s going to try your case under another country’s laws like New Zealand or Brazilian law, or even a religious law.

Good luck -- it’s hard enough for the average citizen to figure out what’s going on under American laws.  Worse – courts across the country have begun to use “foreign laws.” If we don’t do something to address this type of situation, this might become the norm instead of an exception.

This is why the Missouri House passed and sent to the Senate, HB 708 – a measure to make sure that Missouri courts use Missouri and American law when the courts hear and decide cases. They can still look at foreign laws that are the same as ours, but they can’t use a different remedy or outcome than what would be applicable under our land’s laws.

It just makes sense that in a Missouri courtroom, you should be subject to the laws of Missouri and of the United States.  New Zealand, Brazilian or Sharia law has no place here!

I hope everyone had a happy Easter and was able to spend time with family and friends to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Please let me know if you would like to receive my weekly updates via electronic E-Mail, by sending an email with your name to: Shelley.Keeney@house.mo.gov

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns about state government.  Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-5912.  You may write me at: Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806 or email me.