Do you believe that ignorance of the law excuses no one?

That must exist because everyone who gets caught will claim ignorance to get off.

That must exist because everyone who gets caught will claim ignorance to get off.

I don't think it's always true. Or, it shouldn't be. If it's a law you reasonably could have found out about yourself and could be expected to learn, then there's no excuse for not knowing. And of course, there are some things that should just be common knowledge. Like, you may not have taken the time to find out if stealing is illegal in a specific country, but common sense says, "don't do it." But, if it's a law that you couldn't be expected to know existed and you couldn't reasonably be expected to even know it's something to learn, I think it would be unfair to punish someone for them. I can't really see how it's justified to punish someone for doing something they didn't know was wrong. Punishment should be for willful disobedience. Now, once they break a law the first time and find out it is a law, then they have no excuse.

Herro mac_mac1221 What a wonderful question and varied responses. I see the point of the people in the Philippines with no electricity and possibly no newspaper. The example of moving to a new town and the minor offense of the owner of the dog is another good example. My question would be, who can say that ignorance of the law is the truth? If I am speeding and say I didn't know the speed limit changed or didn't see the sign?? Who is to say I am telling the truth. Therefore I believe that the excuse of "I didn't know" is invalid. Prosperous mylotting

well i certainly think it can cause unnecessary problems for descent and good people.

It just means that a person cannot use ignorance of the law as a defense from prosecution. This is particularly true if the person is a defendant in a case, whether criminal or civil. Besides, there are usually valid legal defenses for specific cases in the court of law. The defendant is merely asked to specify a positive defense from among those recognized by the court. Ignorance of the law is not one of them.

In some cases ignorance of the law can be a good excuse. For instance, if you move to a new town and you're not aware that there is a leash law you shouldn't get a citation because you're very well behaved dog is walking without being on one. But, other than minor things like that...no...I don't believe that ignorance of the law is a good excuse.

Hello mac, This is one of the debate with law makers. How can they implement such law when they lack of giving the people (citizen of the country)proper information about the law they are implementing. They never consider that not everyone of their countrymen had all the means to watch and hear news. Reality is,not every part of our country (Philippines)had electric power. How can those residents of that area knows the new rules being implemented then? Those law makers should consider and must have consideration for every rules that they had before it is due to be implemented.(there is always an exception to the rules) Have a good weekend

I don't think ignorance of the law excuses anyone but believe me it can get you a lesser charge. Face it if you go into a store with the intention to steal and admit it then you are facing bigger charges. If you say that you just all of a sudden thought inside that it would be easy then you might get a misdemeanor depending on what you stole. Intention or mens rea is what counts.