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Thursdays: we imagine the ignorance of others

28413874-939A-4729-BE40-28F5FB0E2ED7.jpgMost of us have heard the phrase “ignorance of the law is no excuse” (any moderately adventurous junior-high-schooler has probably heard it more than once). It was first recognized in the seventeenth century (it is often attributed to Coke), but probably had its origins a lot earlier than that. Many — including us — have interpreted it as a mandate for legal publishing. After all, if we’re going to be expected to know this stuff, there should be a place where we can read it, right?

Today’s question is a little different take on this old bromide. Surely this saying conjures up a picture in your mind. Who is that ignorant person? What part of the law don’t they know? What can be done about it?

Answers in the comments, please….

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