But ignorance of the law is no excuse. A person is guilty even if he breaks the law unknowingly. I shall be perhaps the first of the defendants to get up on that stand and admit that I am at least partly guilty.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ignorance of law is no excuse; the speaker admits partial guilt knowingly.
- In plain terms
- Breaking law unknowingly is still guilty; I admit some guilt.
- What can you take from it?
- Legal ignorance does not absolve responsibility.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does ignorance excuse breaking law?
- Is admitting guilt wise?
Another view
Admitting guilt publicly may not align with legal strategy.
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