Sir, I enjoyed Kevin Myers's Diary (October 1st) on the Saudi justice system. We all know that people who live in glasshouses shouldn't throw stones. Since people who have only very recently moved out of their glasshouses tend to celebrate their newfound immunity by throwing stones at every bit of glass they see, it is healthy to have Mr Myers remind us just how recent our own removal was.
We may be inclined to view the Saudi system as barbaric, but should try to retain some perspective. We are living in the first century in which no man has been executed in our society for stealing; the Saudis are into their second millennium. I can conceive of no more fundamental difference between two legal systems or the civilisations that produced them.
We should perhaps allow a decent interval - say, another century or two - before we become too self-righteous about sharia law. - Yours, etc.,
Harold's Cross, Dublin 6W.