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Is pleading ignorance of the law a valid defense?
In halacha does such a (legitimate) claim make what would otherwise be an aveira into a shogeg, entailing a korbon chatos?
In secular law it seems to be unacceptable. But why? How can any human being reasonably be expected to know tens of thousands of minute federal, state, and local laws and ordinances?
Is pleading ignorance of the law a valid defense?
Sometimes. If the law was a duty to act, and was not reasonably made available, then you can plead ignorance.
Ignorance of the law might not be a defense but it might be a mitigating factor.
It is impossible to know the law in all situations.
It is impossible to know if the person is telling the truth.
It depends what kind of law.
I once heard a story about this issue. I believe it was with the Chofetz Chaim, although I’m not 100% sure. A shochet came to the Chofetz Chaim, and told him that he wanted to switch careers. He said the halachos of shechitah were too complex, and he was always nervous about messing up on a small detail. Instead, he said, he wanted to open a business.
The Chofetz Chaim responded, “And you think that the halachos of running a business aren’t complex? Choshen Mishpat is from the most complex halachos! How can you open a business without first knowing Choshen Mishpat? It’s better to stay a shochet – the halachos there are simple compared to running a business!”
If you’re going to undertake something, make sure you know what’s involved first! Yes, there are times in life where you may be pushed into a situation where you don’t know the laws, and you do your best. But you should try to know the laws that are likely to have an impact on your life.
a ben noach is killed on a shogeig; that’s why ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse in secular law.
Ignorance is 90% of the law.
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