Robert Vischer is dean and professor of law at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis. His research interests explore the intersection of law, religion and public policy, and his books include Conscience and the Common Good: Reclaiming the Space Between Person and State.

Read a March 2012 article by law professor Robert K. Vischer in the journal First Things. He argues that anti-Shariah laws set a dangerous precedent that could damage religious liberty for all, not just for Muslims.

The Pew Research Center released a report April 8, 2013, examining how major Christian denominations, as well as other faith groups, apply their religious laws to internal matters. Examples include Roman Catholic diocesan tribunals, which rule on marriage annulments, and Protestant disciplinary hearings for clergy who violate denominational rules about officiating at same-sex weddings.

This April 8, 2013, graphic by the Pew Research Center gives state-by-state details about proposed or enacted legislation to limit use of foreign/religious law in court matters.

Read an Oct. 1, 2012, Religion News Service story about how anti-Shariah measures can complicate divorce for Muslim Americans.

Read a June 4, 2013, Religion News Service story about Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of an anti-Shariah measure.

The Center for American Progress released a report May 16, 2013, on the status of foreign-law bans throughout the United States.

Read a May 16, 2013, Stateline.org article about state bans on use of Shariah and other foreign legal systems and whether those bans hinder international commerce or have other unintended consequences.

A survey released April 30, 2013, by the Pew Research Center explores the views of Muslims in 39 countries regarding Shariah.