Article 27: Beliefs Do Not Excuse Crime

Chapter IIMedium

Constitution Text

“Convictions, practised religion, or belief may not serve as a justification for a crime or failure to observe laws.”

Summary

This article sets a limit on freedom of belief: convictions, practised religion or belief may not serve as a justification for a crime or for failure to observe the law. Religious freedom does not exempt anyone from the duty to obey the law.

Key Points

•Convictions, religion or belief may not justify a crime.
•Convictions, religion or belief may not justify failure to observe laws either.
•The article complements Article 26: religious freedom has limits.
•Laws apply equally to everyone regardless of belief.

Practical Example

A person cannot refuse to pay taxes or to obey traffic rules by claiming that this conflicts with their religion; the law applies regardless of beliefs.

Exam Tips

The question is usually phrased: can religion justify a crime or failure to observe laws? The answer is no. Read it together with Articles 26 and 28.

Art. 25 Art. 26 Art. 28 Art. 29 Art. 139

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