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Simple English definitions for legal terms
ignorantia juris non excusat
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A quick definition of ignorantia juris non excusat:
Ignorantia juris non excusat is a Latin phrase that means "ignorance of the law excuses no one." This means that not knowing about a law or rule is not a good excuse for breaking it. Even if someone didn't know that something was illegal, they can still be punished for doing it. This rule applies to all kinds of laws, not just the ones that are based on common sense. So, it's important to always be aware of the laws and rules that apply to you.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Ignorantia juris non excusat is a Latin phrase that means lack of knowledge about a legal requirement or prohibition is never an excuse to a criminal charge. In simpler terms, it means that not knowing the law is not a valid defense in court.
Example: If someone is caught driving under the influence of alcohol and claims that they didn't know it was illegal, they cannot use this as a defense in court. The law is clear that driving under the influence is a criminal offense, and ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
Explanation: This example illustrates how ignorantia juris non excusat works in practice. Even if someone genuinely didn't know that their actions were illegal, they are still responsible for breaking the law. This principle is important because it ensures that everyone is held accountable for their actions, regardless of their level of knowledge about the law.