| The Universal House of Justice, of which the Guardian is the permanent head, and the members are elected by the members of the National Houses of Justice. This body makes and can abrogate its own laws; it legislates on "whatsoever has not been explicitly and outwardly recorded in His (Bahá'u'lláh's) holy Writ." (WOB 23). "...the twin pillars that support this mighty Administrative Structure—the institutions of the Guardianship and of the Universal House of Justice." (WOB 147). There are also Local Houses of Justice, at present termed Local Spiritual Assemblies, in cities, townships, etc. where nine or more Bahá'ís reside. These, elected by Bahá'ís within their jurisdiction of 21 years of age and over, direct the affairs of the Faith; National Spiritual Assemblies (future Houses of Justice) are elected by delegates who are themselves elected by adult Bahá'ís of each state, territory, province etc. within a given country, and have jurisdiction over Bahá'í affairs within the country as a whole. |
