Meaning of ignorantia juris non excusat | Babel Free

Definitions

Ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse.

Examples

“[…] it is an offence against the duty of his place, and a forfeiture of his office; though I do believe Dr. Bury did not intend upon this to affront the bishop, but ignorantia juris non excusat; if the law be so, we cannot alter it.”

“Dr Killen noted that while ignorantia juris non excusat (ignorance of the low is no excuse) may apply the advice showed that his father, the late Mr G. L. Killen, who was chairman and managing director of Marra at the time, was entitled to believe he was acting lawfully and properly.”

“I pleaded no contest to a $15 parking ticket and Judge Pro Tem Noel Grefenson, probably eager to get lunch after a long morning, took mercy and discharged my fine with an admonishment of ignorantia juris non excusat. ¶ Actually, he didn’t scold me in Latin, but I got his drift nonetheless: “Ignorance of the law does not excuse” abiding by it.”

CEFR level