Why is ignorance of the law no excuse?

Question

Law is an incredibly complicated subject. Some laws are so intricate and detailed that the average person wouldn't even know they existed. So if they broke a law that they honestly didn't know existed why should they be held accountable for it?

Granted there are some common sense things that human shouldn't do: Murder, Robbery, Rape, Etc.... But there are some things that wouldn't even occur to the average person that is illegal, like the milk crate laws here in NYC, Jaywalking, etc..

I realize that if they eliminate the "ignorance is no excuse" thing, it will be open to abuse. But they should at least give a person the option to prove that they honestly didn't know.

Can anybody give me more info on this?

Answer 1

Just another way to screw the peon's to the letter of the law.
Sense when was American Law part of your k-12 total school curriculum,As in never.
When they have a un-spoken law,that says they have Judicial Immunity.Make me puke,slimy parasitic politicians.Freedom my butt.

Answer 2

Your question is well-put, and your question contains the answers. The only relief that the unwary, those ignorant of the law, could receive is a deferred prosecution, or a deferred disposition, or a much less harsh sentence, based upon their lack of knowledge that what they did was a violation of the law. Therefore, "the option to prove that they honestly didn't know" can be and should be offered as a predicate for a hopeful deferred prosecution, or a deferred disposition, or a much less harsh sentence, and every opportunity should be granted for expunction of that record.

Answer 3

This law does exist if presented by a great lawyer in the right way.

It's called possesion is 9/10th of the law which leaves 1% doubt. You have to prove you didn't know but you can be arrested because an officer doesn't believe you. Also the nice officer will write the report the judge reads. Good luck!!

Answer 4

I get your concern, with all the twists and turns of the law, it is difficult to know each and every law applicable to where you live. This is just my opinion, but i think they say ignorance is no excuse is because as a citizen it is your responsibility to know what the laws governing your country or state are, and there a lot of opportunities that you can learn about the law (i.e. school, library, internet), you can also consult with experts, so it's really up to you if you really want to know the laws that govern your state/country or not.

Answer 5

Actually, I think this assertion was initially a ploy by lawyers groups, who wanted to make sure they always had plenty of work. It's quite remarkable considering the so-called legal scholars can't agree what the law means half the time. If they did, then we would have no need for the appellates or Supreme Court.

Answer 6

here in Georgia you are required to have at least $2 in your pocket at all times if not you will go to jail. also if you run a yellow light you are charged with running a red light my ole man barely ran a yellow light and he had to pay a $600 fine and spend 2 weekends in jail 16 hours community service and 3 months probation. now the last time i checked no one has ever received that stiff of a sentience for running a red light and i have never herd of the whole law about the yellow light. when we were in court we asked the judge how they could do this when we didn't know about the law we were told that the laws are in the law library in the court house and its every ones duty to make sure they know all the laws and its their job to enforce them i think its a bunch of bull sh-t my self

Answer 7

each and every regulation contained interior the statute books is attainable to each guy lady and new child to envision in the event that they locate irresistible to attain this. prepare at your community library and the workers will factor you interior the the appropriate option direction. it rather is have been " lack of understanding of the regulation isn't any excuse" comes into play, because of the fact the guidelines are attainable to the prevalent public.

Answer 8

Because you can't prove something that doesn't exist. The courts would be bogged down to the point of inertia with cases pertaining to proving that someone knew what they said they DIDN'T...it simply can't be done.

Answer 9

Because it would be too easy to say "I didn't know that was a law."

Answer 10

Then every criminal could plead Ignorant and their victims made Stupid