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"Ignorance of the law is no excuse" is a common phrase in the law. It means that if an individual breaks a law, they cannot defend themselves by claiming that they did not know that there was a law to be broken, or that they were breaking it.

This topic is often tied in with "mens rea." Mens rea is a concept the law uses to describe a mental element of a crime. Often, a crime is defined as requiring that the individual have both committed the act of the crime (the "actus reus") and intended to commit the crime ("mens rea.") There was a time when criminals would claim that they did not intend to commit the crime, because they did not know that the act which they committed was a crime.

This is why the law developed the concept that "ignorance of the law is no excuse." It creates an irrebutable presumptionthat every person knows what the law is, and that no one can claim that they did not have the mens rea because they did not know what the law is.

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Related Questions

Who is the author or the first to use the ignorance of the law excuses no one?

Hammurabi


What is the Latin term for Ignorance of the law excuses no one?

Ignorantia legis neminem excusat.


What is the Latin translation for ignorance of the law excuses no one?

The latin is ignorantia legis neminem escusat.


Who are exempted in article 3 of civil code of the Philippines?

No one is exempted because it is stated in the Article 3 of the Civil Code of the Philippines "Ignorance of the law EXCUSES NO ONE from compliance therewith."


Example of the law excuses no one?

Law excuses no one. Every citizen of the country is supposed to know law of his country. No cone can plead in the court of law that he is not aware about a certain Act or Law. This is no excused.


Explain ignorance of the law excuses no one?

It is easy for anyone to state that they are unaware of a law, and if to say so was to aquit yourself of any crimes then it would be impossible to discern who was lying or not, unless there was specific evidence either way. Also, since most laws are common interpretation of general moral or societal values, it is expected that most would understand what is right. Mistaking a law can sometimes excuse, providing you can prove that you were mistaken.


What is the 16 sub law of the law attraction?

ignorance revelation anticipation seeking decision discovery clearing outpicturing law of one mind release objective secrecy reserve nourishment resistance mastery


When will God run out of excuses?

Jehovah God does not need to produce excuses. He has no one to answer to. He is the Creator; and he can also be The Destroyer. Why would he waste time with excuses?


What is the meaning of to be proud of learning is the greatest ignorance?

The phrase "to be proud of learning is the greatest ignorance" suggests that true knowledge comes with humility and a recognition of how much there is still to learn. Being overly proud or arrogant about one's knowledge can lead to a closed-mindedness that inhibits further growth and understanding. It emphasizes the importance of remaining open to new ideas and perspectives in order to continue expanding one's knowledge.


Can't blame everyone for one person ignorance?

No it's not logical to blame everyone else for one person's ignorance if anyone should be at fault for their ignorance it is their fault not everyone elses.


What does there is no darkness but ignorance mean?

It's one of the deepest and most eye opening sentences I have ever heard. This was said by Sir William Shakespeare. Meaning : He is comparing ignorance to darkness and knowledge to light. In ignorance, one cannot fully sense the world around him so he/she will lost in the darkness of ignorance and never really see the reality or TRUTH. Hope this helps! This sentence is carved in the statue of Shakespeare in the Leicester Sq in Central London where I was so ignorant that I never saw this until a full one year of sitting there to have my lunch! - Ramindu


In law word meaning to preclude one from denying the truth of something one has previously asserted?

Estoppel.