KEY POINTS:
Sharia law is not monolithic. It does not exist as a unified, indisputable set text, but is interpreted by scholars.
"If we assume for a second that the UK adopts sharia law in certain respects, there need to be scholars who go through the rigours of studying Islamic law as well as a good understanding of the customs of this country," said Dr Irfan al Alawi of the International Director Centre for Islamic Pluralism.
"Adopting sharia law would mean the need for better trained imams rather than a man who has read one fiqh [Islamic law] book. In fact, in Islamic legal tradition a scholar cannot give a ruling until he understands the customs of his people and we don't have these qualified imams in the UK. We will have radical fatwas issued by unqualified imams."
Williams' supporters argue that sharia law exists within Britain and turning a blind eye to it will not help an increasingly multicultural society. There are already an estimated 30 sharia courts in Britain handing down judgments on civil matters.
Last year Prime Minister Gordon Brown as Chancellor of the Exchequer changed the law to introduce sharia mortgages because Islam forbids the charging of interest.
Thirty years ago, Parliament gave Sikhs the right to wear turbans rather than helmets when riding motor-bikes.
The Church of England has Consistory courts giving it wide powers over planning applications. Halal meat is legal, despite protests from animal rights groups who attack the preparation method of slitting the animal's throat.
Britain recognises Islamic marriages and divorces conducted overseas and wives of polygamous husbands are now eligible for spouse benefits.
The Beth Din, a rabbinical court set up by a British statute more than a century ago, is recognised within the UK legal system.
It deals with civil disputes but can only award costs. It cannot hear criminal cases.
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