Mistake of Law

A mistake of law occurs when a person misunderstands or misapplies a legal statute or regulation. Unlike a mistake of fact, which involves errors about reality, a mistake of law refers to an incorrect belief about the law itself. For instance, if someone thinks that an action is legal because they misinterpret a law, they might be held accountable despite their misunderstanding. Generally, ignorance of the law is not an excuse in legal matters, meaning individuals are expected to know and understand the laws that apply to their actions.