a) can you interpret law for yourself?
b) can you interpret law for others (or can only lawyers do this)?
c) is reading the law as written and 'translating' it to plain english for others ok?
2007-08-24 02:26:18 · 6 answers · asked by Talis Man 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
a) any person can interpret the law for themself - however if they make a mistake in their interpretation of their law, they do so at their own risk, as mistake of law is not a defense;
b) you can give your opinion on the law for others, though you cannot give legal advice, only lawyers can. there is a thin line. you can write an article without a law degree about a law and it's possible interpretation, but you can't consult with someone about how they should act in light of the law;
c) reading the law and "translating" it is no different than b. same rules apply. just note that "translating" laws for non-lawyers (and even lawyers) is not cut and dry, often the common law has to be taken into account and the legislative history.
2007-08-24 02:40:02 · answer #1 · answered by Tara P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
okay. you can represent yourself and interpret the law for your self.
You cannot give legal advise based on your interpretation of the law to others unless you are a licensed attorney in the state that applies.
Reading the law and translating to plain english? It is in english. If you don't understand what it means, then you really need an attorney. They don't buys books and send us to law school for nothing.
2007-08-24 02:38:38 · answer #2 · answered by hensleyclaw 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can interpret the laws as you wish and tell others what you think; the deal is you cannot APPLY your interpretations for legal remedies within the system of law, as for that, you must be a bar member and Attorney.
In JAILS all over America "Jail House lawyers" write briefs on Habeaus Corpus (legal motion to argue confinement) and they submit the brief without their representing the jailed person; in other words, they write the paper, hand it to the cell mate and the cell mate submits it IF they wish with thier signature only.
2007-08-24 05:21:45 · answer #3 · answered by Adonai 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do all of those things. This does not mean that, in a court action, the judge will agree with your interpretation. Helping others to understand or be told what the laws are is fine, but only an attorney has a chance of making it work in an action. Many intepretations are made by comparing/citing with past cases.
2007-08-24 02:40:03 · answer #4 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Explaining what the law says is not illegal provided it doesn't become giving legal advice; THAT is for an attorney to do.
2007-08-24 02:34:22 · answer #5 · answered by Citicop 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a. Certainly, to some extent, you are expected to do so.
b. & c. If you charge a fee, it's illegal.
You are not deemed qualified.
(A mistake here can do a lot of harm, and the language is not all that transparent.)
2007-08-24 02:45:06 · answer #6 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋