Topic: the general rule that ignorance of the law or a mistake of … · Go Syfert
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Topic #2967

5 canonical passages across 3 cases, quoted by 105 opinions in total. These passages cluster together because the same opinions keep quoting them side by side: they state parts of one doctrine. The anchor passage is from Cheek v. United States.

#Case FlagCanonical passage Citers
1 Cheek v. United States Anchor
scotus · 1991
green “the general rule that ignorance of the law or a mistake of law is no defense to criminal prosecution is deeply rooted in the american legal system.” 39
2 Liparota v. United States
scotus · 1985
green “the definition of the elements of a criminal offense is entrusted to the legislature, particularly in the case of federal crimes, which are solely creatures of statute.” 31
3 United States v. Freed
scotus · 1971
green “one would hardly be surprised to learn that possession of hand grenades is not an innocent act.” 17
4 Liparota v. United States
scotus · 1985
green “criminalize a broad range of apparently innocent conduct.” 12
5 United States v. Freed
scotus · 1971
green “the only knowledge required to be proved was knowledge that the instrument possessed was a firearm.” 6

A red or yellow flag on a member means the underlying case has negative treatment: for those, check the case page before relying on the passage.

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