Full title of talk: “Building a ‘System the Like of Which Mortal Eyes Have Never Witnessed’: Some Reflections on the Nature and Application of Bahá’í Law”
In this web talk Professor Brian Lepard of the University of Nebraska College of Law will reflect on key elements of the system of law brought by Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, and elaborated by Abdu’l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice. He will explore how and why Bahá’í law is a “system the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed,” in the words of Bahá’u’lláh, and cannot be equated to any existing human system of law. At the same time, Bahá’í law is very sophisticated and nuanced, with many “layers,” and certain elements of it can at least be partially understood in light of existing legal concepts developed by various cultures.
Accordingly, in his talk Professor Lepard will investigate, with the participation of viewers, such questions as: How do and should we think about Bahá’í law? In what ways is Bahá’í law a “system the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed”? What are the many interrelated layers of Bahá’í law, ranging from laws governing the individual, to laws governing society, and from laws governing the Bahá’í community, to laws governing society at large, including nations and the global community? What are some similarities and differences between Bahá’í law and current legal traditions of the world? How can understanding the nature and layers of Bahá’í law, and these similarities and differences, be helpful to Bahá’ís from all walks of life, including but not limited to those practicing in the legal profession?
