[NCLaw441]

Ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse, but sometimes the lack of intent to break the law is. There is no defense to speeding by saying that one was unaware of the speed limit, for example. But the intent crimes, such as intent to kill, require knowledge that one is intending to commit an illegal act.

[HEY4QDEMS]

Agreed, Mens rea has two components, intent and knowledge, and only one needs to be established to determine culpability.

Sometimes negligence and reckless disregard can be considered in extreme egregious cases.