Senate panel approves bill preventing use of foreign law in Oklahoma courts

Legislation that would bar the use of foreign law in Oklahoma courts was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Senate Bill 1015 states that courts shall not enforce any foreign law as a means of mitigating punishment or providing justification for the commission of a crime.

Sen. Dan Newberry, author of the bill, said that by approving the measure, the Senate was affirming the importance of the rule of law in Oklahoma courts.

“Our laws are the expression of our principles, and today’s vote reflects a desire to affirm those principles,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa. “This bill simply ensures that foreign law cannot be used to excuse or defend crimes committed in Oklahoma. Anyone who embraces our shared values and wishes to protect them should be pleased by the passage of this bill.”

SB 1015 will now advance to the full Senate for consideration.

“This measure ensures that the men and women who enter into our courts can count on the constitutional guarantees established in our legal system,” Newberry said.