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To: Mulder
I didn't say I knew all the laws. However, you are certain that I am breaking laws that I am ignorant about. How can you be certain?

I don't know all the fishing and hunting laws. However, were I to apply for a fishing or hunting license, I would make sure I understood those laws.

Same with opening a restaurant, applying for a mining permit, learning to fly a plane, getting a nursing license, or starting a liquor store. Specialized laws require that those in that business or practice learn them. That is a requirement for getting the license.

Perhaps you are unaware of the phrase "Ignorance of the law is no excuse."

539 posted on 12/29/2003 5:40:54 PM PST by Miss Marple
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To: Miss Marple
I didn't say I knew all the laws. However, you are certain that I am breaking laws that I am ignorant about. How can you be certain?

Do you know all of the laws? Try reading them sometime and tell me that you're obeying them all.

But I'll answer your question. First, I've never known ANYONE that hasn't broken some law or another. Most don't even know it, except for minor traffic offenses. Secondly, I believe it's a statistical impossibility for someone to obey all of the laws unless they are bedridden and never leave the house. That's based on the sheer number of laws, and just how intrusive many of them are.

I don't know all the fishing and hunting laws. However, were I to apply for a fishing or hunting license, I would make sure I understood those laws.

If you're like most people, you'd make a good faith effort to learn the important ones, and conduct yourself using common sense. But it's impossible to know them all.

Same with opening a restaurant, applying for a mining permit, learning to fly a plane, getting a nursing license, or starting a liquor store. Specialized laws require that those in that business or practice learn them

And do you ever wonder why big companies often lobby for more rules? It's because they know their smaller competitors can't possibly follow all of the rules without hiring a staff of lawyers, which would make them uncompetitive.

Perhaps you are unaware of the phrase "Ignorance of the law is no excuse."

I'm quite aware of it, and I think that "ignorance of the law" is a damned good excuse unless the person is hurting someone, damaging someone's property, or acting recklessly.

545 posted on 12/29/2003 5:51:49 PM PST by Mulder (Fight the future)
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