Cases Quote by Edward Law, 1st Earl of Ellenborough
“Every man must be taken to be cognizant of the law, otherwise there is no saying to what extent the excuse of ignorance may not be Law carried. It would be urged in almost every case.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Parliamentary debate, United Kingdom, 1840s
Ignorance of the law cannot be a blanket excuse; legal responsibility presumes basic awareness.
In simple terms: You must know the law, ignorance isn’t a defense.
Key Takeaway
Learn basic legal duties.
Themes
law
responsibility
justice
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
advisory
ethical
When to use this quote
- business contracts
- driving
- employment
- tax filing
Key Concepts
legal awareness
civil duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance education with enforcement?
- What duties should be required of citizens?
A Different Perspective
Ignorance may be genuine in complex statutes, limiting fairness.
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