A Muslim Woman who lost her small claims case during a 2006 Hearing in Hamtramck, Michigan (near Detroit) after refusing to remove her veil during testimony, took her case before a U.S. District Court Judge this week, hoping to overturn the Small Claims Judge Decision.The Michigan Attorney General filed a motion asking U.S. District Judge John Feikens to dismiss Ginnah Muhammad law suit against 31st District Judge Paul Paruk, on the grounds that federal courts lack jurisdiction to review small claims decisions, that Judges have immunity from law suits for their decisions and that Judge Paruk's Order did not interfere with Muhammad's ability to practice her religion.
Muhammad lost her small claims case because she refused an Order to remove her veil during testimony so that the Judge could see her face and assess her credibility. Judge Paruk gave Muhammad the choice, remove her veil or he was going to dismiss her case. Muhammad offered to remove her veil and testify before a female Judge but Judge Paruk is the only Judge in Hamtramck.
In the end, Muhammad's case was dismissed without prejudice, the Defendant who had filed a Counterclaim against Muhammad prevailed and the Plaintiff was Ordered to pay a $2,083 judgment.
