On March 14, 2010, Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court ruled that women could serve as judges on the State Council, an administrative court system that ruled on cases dealing with state issues. This occurred one month after the general assembly of the Council voted to bar the appointment of women judges to the court. The Council's decision was overruled by the Council's advisory board, prompting the Prime Minister to ask the Supreme Court to rule on the issue. Women serving as judges has been a controversial topic in Egypt since the first woman was appointed in 2003. Some Muslims believe the appointment of women judges violates Sharia law.

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