State vs Religion/ Dramatic Ruling Curbs Rabbinic Court Powers

The High Court of Justice yesterday ruled that Rabbinic Courts have no authority to arbitrate in financial or other disputes for which the law does not authorize them.

The precedent-setting ruling may hit Rabbinic Courts like a bombshell and significantly curb their powers..
 
The new ruling may have far-reaching implications regarding the Rabbinic Court's function. Rabbinic Courts rule on some 700 arbitration cases annually, not including disputes among couples.

The High Court also suggests that past arbitration rulings of Rabbinic Courts may be annulled retroactively.
 
FULL STORY at
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/703404.html