Question

What is the meaning of the legal maxim "Ignorantia juris neminem excusat"?

• A. All are equal before law
• B. Ignorance of law is no excuse
• C. Ignorance of fact is no excuse
• D. None of the above

Hint:

Remember the two contrasting maxims:

\textit{Ignorantia \textbf{juris} non excusat} → Ignorance of \textbf{law} is \textbf{not} an excuse.
\textit{Ignorantia \textbf{facti}} excusat → Ignorance of \textbf{fact} \textbf{is} an excuse.
Differentiating between 'juris' (law) and 'facti' (fact) is key.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Maxim
The question asks for the English translation and meaning of the Latin legal maxim "Ignorantia juris neminem excusat".

Step 2: Translating the Latin Terms
Let's break down the maxim:

Ignorantia: Ignorance
Juris: of the law
Neminem: no one
Excusat: excuses
Putting it together, the maxim translates to "Ignorance of the law excuses no one." This is a fundamental principle of law, meaning that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely because they were unaware of its content.

Step 3: Evaluating the Options


(A) All are equal before law: This is the principle of equality, not related to ignorance.
(B) Ignorance of law is no excuse: This is the correct translation and meaning of the maxim.
(C) Ignorance of fact is no excuse: This is incorrect. The related maxim is "Ignorantia facti excusat," which means "ignorance of fact is an excuse." In many cases, a mistake of fact can be a valid defense, unlike a mistake of law.

Step 4: Final Answer
The maxim means "Ignorance of law is no excuse". Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.