...according to the explicit text of the Aqdas, capital
punishment is permitted, but also an alternative has been definitely provided
whereby the rigours of such a condemnation can be seriously mitigated.
Bahá'u'lláh has given us a choice, and has, therefore, left us free to use our
own discretion within certain limitations imposed by His law. [Footnote: The
alternative is life imprisonment.]
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 19 January 1935 written
on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, included in a Memorandum
from the Research department of the Universal House of Justice dated 23 May
1991)
