Choose the correct meaning of the legal maxim: Ignorantia juris non excusat stands for:
The maxim means that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Section 14 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 illustrates the distinction. An act may be excused if, because of a…
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Choose the correct meaning of the legal maxim: Ignorantia juris non excusat stands for:
Answer and explanation
Correct answer D
The maxim means that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Section 14 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 illustrates the distinction. An act may be excused if, because of a mistake of fact, the person in good faith believed the law required it. A mistake of law does not qualify under this section.
Option feedback
Option A
Incorrect. The maxim does not grant immunity to ignorant persons; on the contrary, it establishes that ignorance of the law does not excuse a legal wrong.
Option B
Incorrect. The maxim concerns ignorance of the law ('ignorantia juris'), not illiteracy, and operates as a rule barring ignorance of law as a defence rather than creating a special punishment for illiterate persons.
Option C
The words “non excusat” mean “does not excuse.” This choice reverses the meaning of the maxim.
Option D
Correct. 'Ignorantia juris non excusat' (or 'ignorantia juris neminem excusat') means "Ignorance of law of land is no excuse".
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