How do I find out if something vague is illegal or not?

Aoife-FM104

Hi!

I want to know the exact law on something vague, to find out what exactly what is illegal and legal. I don't want to say what I'm researching, but it's one of those messy moral areas which isn't quite black and white. So basically I want a definitive answer on what is allowed and not allowed. For example, is it OK if I give it away for free, but illegal if I sell it?

How do I find this out? Write to the Gardai? Write to Michael McDowell? Thanks!

Hobbes

try the legal forum.

OK if I give it away for free, but illegal if I sell it?

Sex yes.. everything else probably no.

Gone West

More information will be needed, really.
McDowell doesnt answer his post.
Writing to the Gardai would be fruitless.
Are you talking about drugs?

DublinWriter

Aoife, you couldn't be more vague if you tried.

If you work for FM104, then as far as I remember they have some legal bod on a retainer, so go seek his advice.

If you are straying into drug related territory, which I think you are, and cannabis home-growth and the giving away of same, which I think you are, then yes, it's very illegal because it is possesion with intent to supply.

The legislation does not stipulate that the supplier must make a financial gain, it's possession with intent to *supply*; supply being the operative verb in that statement.

hullaballoo

The only way to find out if something is illegal or not from a research point of view is to ask a lawyer. You've taken the first step in asking on here, but you haven't actually said what it is you want clarified, so no one can help you.

Victor

Hobbes wrote:

Sex yes.. everything else probably no.

Actually prostitiution is legal here, its a lot of the surrounding acts are illegal, ie soliciting, pimping, running a brothel, etc.

Karoma

Search irishstatutebook.ie , or ask a Garda (Best not to have it in writing to start with), or ask a solicitor. Remember to use the word 'hypothetical' as often as possible.

dermot_sheehan

Aoife-FM104 wrote:

Hi!

I want to know the exact law on something vague, to find out what exactly what is illegal and legal. I don't want to say what I'm researching, but it's one of those messy moral areas which isn't quite black and white. So basically I want a definitive answer on what is allowed and not allowed. For example, is it OK if I give it away for free, but illegal if I sell it?

How do I find this out? Write to the Gardai? Write to Michael McDowell? Thanks!

Simple answer, if you want a definitive answer, ask a definitive question, presumably to a legal practitioner.

If you want to do a DIY job you could get out some criminal law books and flick through. Relying on irishstatutebook.ie isn't 100% since many criminal offences in this country date from prior to independent (i.e. were acts of the uk parliament), and a couple common law offences still exist (manslaughter being the most well known)

focusing

Though obviously a Garda telling you something is legal doesn't automatically mean you can't be charged if they're wrong.