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Example
Statutory link
Exceptions / limits
Opposite / Related
Exam tip
Memory trick
Key takeaway
Ignorantia facti excusat
| Literal meaning | Ignorance of fact excuses |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | ig-no-RAN-shee-ah FAK-tee ex-KYOO-sat |
A person who acts under an honest mistake about a fact is not guilty if the true facts would have made the act lawful. The mistake must be genuine and reasonable.
Example
A hunter shoots at what he honestly believes is a wild animal, but it is a man hidden in the bushes. His mistake of fact may excuse him, if the belief was honest and reasonable.
Statutory link
Indian Penal Code, Sections 76 and 79 (now the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) protect acts done by mistake of fact in good faith.
Exceptions / limits
The mistake must be about a fact, not about the law. It must be made in good faith, with due care.
Exam tip
Asked as the contrast with ignorantia juris non excusat.
Memory trick
Fact can excuse; law cannot.
Key takeaway
An honest and reasonable mistake of fact can excuse, but a mistake of law cannot.
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