What was the old adage? Ignorance of the law is no excuse? Good luck knowing a million laws.
Probably one of the most misunderstood expressions in the world. Often attributed to Aristotle, mistranslation and out of context reading have contributed to that misunderstanding. In the context of ancient Greece and Rome, there were many customary laws, rules, and social mores. It was considered a ridiculous proposition that someone who lived their whole life in the area would not know what was acceptable. Alternatively, translating the expression in another way means “Not knowing the law is harmful,” which sounds like something Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle would say.
Also, the general rule is you need notice of the law before it can be enforced against you (see Lambert v. California, 355 U.S. 225). However, if you go and engage in some activity, you have a duty to know the relevant law associated with that activity. Knowledge will be imputed. If you want to drive, you need to know traffic laws. If you want to fly an airplane, you need to know aviation laws. If you are a construction contractor, you need to know about labor laws, environmental law, zoning, building codes, and laws imposed on building contractors themselves. If you don’t engage in these activities, the law does not apply and you need not know it.