[Modernman]

When parties to the agreement are not equal under the law, then there is no arbitration at all.

A foreign law that treated women as second class citizens would not be enforceable since it violates public policy.

Again, no they are not.

Those are properly named "Mediations" and are nothing at all like arbitrations.

Mediations are different, agreed. However, arbitrations conducted under non-American law are quite enforceable. For example, there are rabbinical courts in NYC that resolve disputes between members of the Orthodox community in accordance with Talmudic law and NY courts will enforce such decisions.

[bill1952]

>A foreign law that treated women as second class citizens would not be enforceable since it violates public policy.

I would hope so, but Sharia does place woman less than equal, and that is rather well known, so how does one accept it as a basis? The women would be under tremendous pressure to accede, and it would be a widening fissure in our society. I think that we are getting pretty close to a tipping point anyway.

>are rabbinical courts in NYC that resolve disputes between members of the Orthodox community in accordance with Talmudic law and NY courts will enforce such decisions.

Now that is something that I had forgotten. Good point.

But what do they resolve? I can understand disputes of faith and even marriage, but are matters of wealth, inheritance, child support and children under such enforceable policy?