Posted on 09/21/2007 6:39:32 AM PDT by TornadoAlley3
NEW JERSEY (THE RECORD) Sept. 21, 2007 - A Clifton man could become the first Muslim state judge in New Jersey.
Sen. John Girgenti said he recently submitted the name of Sohail Mohammed to Governor Corzine's office, asking the governor to consider the prominent North Jersey Muslim for a Superior Court judgeship.
"I have known him for a number of years, and he's extremely well qualified," Girgenti, D-Hawthorne, said Thursday. "I based it on his integrity and intelligence. He's very fair."
Mohammed, who specializes in immigration law, is a Sunni Muslim who has worked to educate the public about Islam and to build bridges between his community and the state's political and law enforcement establishments.
Mohammed said Thursday it is premature to discuss the potential judgeship but added that he feels honored.
"I'm really humbled," said Mohammed, 44. "If chosen to be a judge, I would do my best to serve and see that justice is served."
Girgenti's submission of Mohammed's name signals the start of a lengthy evaluation process that includes interviews and background checks and will probably not conclude until 2008, the senator said.
In New Jersey, the governor makes nominations for judges that then go before the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate.
Girgenti, who is vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and Mohammed said they know of no Muslims serving as state judges. Tamara Kendig, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Judiciary, said the state does not track the religious affiliation of its judges.
A New Jersey Muslim leader said the potential appointment is exciting.
"I think it helps the general public realize that Muslims are part of the fabric of American society," said Afsheen Shamsi of the New Jersey office of the Council on American Islamic Relations. "Just like them, we are law-abiding citizens who believe in justice and equality for all. This is a good step toward Muslims achieving the American dream."
Mohammed's family moved from India to America when he was 10. After a stint as a juror, he became interested in law and was encouraged to attend law school by state Judge Robert J. Passero, now the assignment judge in Passaic County.
He rose to prominence after the 9/11 attacks, when he began representing immigrants rounded up in the massive dragnet.
An outspoken advocate for Muslims, Mohammed is also known for his conciliatory style and ability to broker compromises.
He has been praised by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies for advising them on Muslim culture.
We do not need any Muslims serving in any Judicial capacity. Especially anyone that CAIR supports. Just say no to shira law
Sharia law coming to a neighborhood near you.
Is it possible for a devout follower of Islam and the Koran to arbitrate and fairly judge on American law derived from Judeo-Christian tenets? Parts of the Koran are contrary to our established constiturional law.
Uh, will that be the New Jersey and U.S. legal systems, or sharia? Only in New Jersey. Oh, and the guy “specializes in immigration law,” which means he is already complicit in subverting and avoiding the immigration laws of our country to the benefit of his fellow Muslims. Sen. John Girgenti should be removed from office.
“We do not need any Muslims serving in any Judicial capacity. Especially anyone that CAIR supports. Just say no to shira law.”
No, we don’t need this guy. Calls to Corzine’s office today.
His oath of office should include a statement refuting such doggerel and he should have to such an oath with his hand on the Koran and facing several imams since his faith also permits lying to infidel.
Will pumping gas be punishable by flogging, or by stoning?
Unlike Christianity, which teaches "render unto Caesar" and Judaism which teaches "dina d'malchusa dina" (the law of the land is the law).
This Moslem judge will ignore the constitution if it does not conform to sharia.
Having just been burglarized, I *DO* like the way they deal with thieves. :-(
While wearing a beard or without one?
This is just like Tony Soprano getting himself a judge on the Jersey Bench as far as CAIR is concerned. Fuggetaboutit. You know what I’m sayin? I’m just sayin.
Can a Muslim interpret laws based on Christianity?
“This Moslem judge will ignore the constitution if it does not conform to sharia.”
The constitution does NOT conform to sharia. Therefore, he will ignore the infidel law.
What has been his record so far as a judge? Just being a muslim should not be enough to disqualify him. It certainly isn’t during confirmation hearings.
Ping
We continue to embrace the snake.
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