ignorance of the law excuses no one...how does this strike you?

With some exceptions I believe there should never be a hard and fast result of an offense without any consideration for the circumstance. The exceptions would be for murder and rape. Once proved, the maximum sentence should be imposed. There are many laws on the books that are very out dated. They were placed there when times were far different and so do not deal with the reality of today. It is very important then that any sitting judge have, and exercise, the ability to use sound judgment that fit the circumstance. This happens often and in my estimation it is a good thing.

I would think it should depend on each individual case and law. There are a lot of laws that are pretty obscure and many people may litteraly may not be aware of them. I am not talking about things like stealing, assault, blatent driving offenseses and stuff though. But there are so many laws now no person can reasonably live and not break a few. we already have more laws than we really need. I think the judge/jury should take at least some of this in rendering decisions.