Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    3

    Default How Do I Guarantee That What I'm Doing is Legal

    I can't find a "general law" section, so please move if this isn't the most appropriate section.

    How do I go about ensuring I don't break the law? I know the obvious answer is "get a lawyer." But even if I seek a lawyer's advice, how do I absolutely know what I'm doing is legal?

    For instance, if I read the state law but it's vague (or even if it isn't) how do I know 100% that if I do a, b, and c that I'm within the law? A layers advice is just that, advice. It's still up to me to eventually ensure that what I'm doing is legal, right? Is there any such thing as guaranteed legality?

    So, if it's true that you can never be 100% sure that what you're doing is legal, then it seems to me that all laws are just guidelines since anything you do may or may not be against the law. There's no way to know for sure.

    Or...is there?

    Perhaps it's because all laws are eventually determined by a Jury which will never be 100%.

    So, what is one to do when in question? A lawyers advice and a best guess?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    20,594

    Default Re: Guaranteed Legality

    There is no guarantee of anything in life.

    However, if you ever have to ask yourself, "Is this legal?" the best choice would be NOT to do whatever it is.

    I don't worry about breaking the law because I strive to act morally, ethically, and within the confines of acceptable behavior at all times. Thus, I don't worry about falling afoul of the law.

    One cannot accidentally commit a felony ... it's hard to accidentally commit even a misdemeanor. So unless you are doing something "iffy" you should be okay.

    - Carl

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Guaranteed Legality

    Quote Quoting cdwjava
    View Post
    There is no guarantee of anything in life.

    However, if you ever have to ask yourself, "Is this legal?" the best choice would be NOT to do whatever it is.

    I don't worry about breaking the law because I strive to act morally, ethically, and within the confines of acceptable behavior at all times. Thus, I don't worry about falling afoul of the law.

    One cannot accidentally commit a felony ... it's hard to accidentally commit even a misdemeanor. So unless you are doing something "iffy" you should be okay.

    - Carl
    I agree with you! My situation is much simpler though. It's certainly not a question of trying to get away with something.

    This post came to be because of research I was doing regarding gun laws in state parks (Georgia to be exact). In this situation, Georgia Law says that it's unlawful to have a firearm in a state park except when it's unloaded and not readily accessible. In the same section however, it also says that Dept. of Natural Resources has the power to create rules and regulation for the safety of the people on the parks. The GA State Parks web site says that guns aren't allowed (using the same verbiage as the State law described...but stopped when it got to the "except unloaded" part). Now this is very conflicting, right?

    So, now I'm unclear as to the law. How do I know what to do? I want to protect myself by having a firearm, but I don't want to break the law either. I don't necessarily mind NOT bringing a firearm, but I would rather bring one. So, how do I find out the real truth? Do I have to pay a lawyer for the answer?

    In this situation, the law is vague...at least for me anyway (and I would assume most folks). How do I find out the REAL answer?

    To me, carrying a firearm and properly storing it and using common sense with it IS ethical, moral, etc.... but I could still be breaking the law.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    9,096

    Default Re: Guaranteed Legality

    When in doubt, do the most. In this case, don't take a gun onto park land.

    Though, in Georgia, that law is about to change.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Guaranteed Legality

    Quote Quoting cyjeff
    View Post
    When in doubt, do the most. In this case, don't take a gun onto park land.

    Though, in Georgia, that law is about to change.
    I know, I know...play it safe...and I will. But it IS frustrating to citizens. I understand it's much more complicated than I make it out to be, but laws ought to be clear.

    You always hear "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" so I try to research it, but man....you've got to read hundreds of laws to find the one your looking for. When you do find it, I always wonder if there are other laws that may that trump that law. You shouldn't have to be a lawyer to understand "standard" laws. Like the US Constitution...you can't just read that document and think you're safe if you abide by those things because there are so many laws that just restrict what you can do from there.

    I know there's no silver bullet here and I'm probably just venting. But how is the average American supposed to know what to do?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    20,594

    Default Re: Guaranteed Legality

    Quote Quoting Tripp
    View Post
    The GA State Parks web site says that guns aren't allowed (using the same verbiage as the State law described...but stopped when it got to the "except unloaded" part). Now this is very conflicting, right?
    Not really. if the park says don't bring a gun, then don't bring a gun. I don't see how it is all that complicated.

    So, how do I find out the real truth? Do I have to pay a lawyer for the answer?
    You can call the park police or rangers and ask them if it is okay to bring a gun, but if the rules say you can't, then you shouldn't. It's really that simple.


    - Carl

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Business Ownership: Legal Definition of Guarantee
    By DaynaLouise in forum Business Law
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-16-2010, 03:07 PM
  2. Service Providers: Cancellation During 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee
    By hybrid24 in forum Consumer Law
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-06-2010, 10:27 AM
  3. Starting a Business: LLC and Personal Guarantee
    By joyeous1234@yahoo.com in forum Business Law
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-25-2010, 07:07 PM
  4. Debt Collectors: Personal Guarantee
    By newflorida in forum Debts and Collections
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-21-2009, 06:07 PM
  5. Foreclosure: Personal Guarantee
    By newflorida in forum Buying, Selling and Conveying Real Estate
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 07-13-2009, 09:11 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources