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Ignorance of the law is no excuse, according to the old saying. As of Sunday, July 1, Georgians face a whole new set of laws addressing everything from the unemployed experiencing nearly a 50 percent reduction in benefits, people seeking food stamps being administered drug tests, sweeping changes to Georgia’s criminal justice system, a rule that revokes bonuses for teachers caught cheating on standardized tests, a bill eliminating the $1 charge for the optional “In God We Trust” license plate decals, and legislation that will increase the number of barrels a brewpub may produce from 5,000 to 10,000.
How many of Georgia’s new laws do you know? Is something you legally did two days ago possibly illegal today? Or is there something that made you an outlaw Saturday, but makes you a law-abiding citizen today without having to change any behavior?
It’s every citizen’s responsibility to know the laws of the land. But we admit that task is difficult, if not downright impossible.
Seems each year, there’s a long list of new laws, thickening the Georgia code more and more, making it almost impossible for even the most astute attorney to know every law.
Seems many laws serve more as an opportunity for legislators to make names for themselves rather than answering some pressing need within the state. Not all new laws or legislation, but it sure seems like a lot of it owes more to politics than public good.
Still, agree with them or not, think them unnecessary or not, the law is the law. And ignorance of the law will still get you a ticket, a fine, or possibly jail.
More information: Visit http://www.legis.ga.gov
What We Think
Do you know the law of the land?
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THUMBS UP: To all South Georgia graduates. Congratulations on your success in completing school and best wishes on your continued success in the future.
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New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
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Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
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Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
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Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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