As society evolves following the prominence of social.mediw, there are some mistakes most people make with the assumption that they can do something with the erroneous believe that, the law automatically permits it.
The reality is that many actions commonly considered normal or acceptable can have serious legal consequences.
The following examples illustrate some common misconceptions about personal rights and the law:
1. “I can record every conversation.”
Not every recording is legally harmless. The legality of recording a conversation often depends on how the recording was obtained and how it is subsequently used. Improper use may attract legal consequences.
*2* . “I can post anybody’s picture because it is my Facebook page.”
Ownership of a social media pages or accounts does not confer the right to violate another person’s privacy or damage their reputation. Such actions may result in legal liability.
*3* . “I am the landlord, so I can enter my tenant’s apartment anytime.”
Once a property is rented out, the tenant acquires the right to quiet enjoyment of the premises. A landlord cannot arbitrarily enter the tenant’s apartment without lawful justification.
*4* . “I can change my tenant’s locks because they owe me rent.”
A landlord cannot resort to self-help measures by locking out a tenant. The law provides established procedures for recovering possession of rented premises.
*5* . “I am the husband (or wife), so I can search my spouse’s phone whenever I like.”
Marriage does not automatically extinguish an individual’s right to privacy. Legal rights and marital relationships are distinct matters.
*6* . “I bought the land, so I do not need any documents.”
Payment alone may not be sufficient to establish or protect ownership. Proper documentation is essential, particularly where disputes arise.
*7* . “If someone insults me online, I can insult them back.”
Responding to defamatory or offensive remarks with further defamatory statements may expose both parties to legal consequences.
*8* . “I can use anyone as my guarantor without telling them.”
Using another person’s details or presenting someone as a guarantor without their knowledge and consent may constitute a serious legal wrong.
*9* . “I gave someone money, so I can seize their property if they refuse to pay me back.”
Creditors are not entitled to take the law into their own hands. The law provides lawful avenues for debt recovery.
*10* . “The police must settle every dispute.”
Not all disputes are criminal matters. Many disagreements, including landlord-tenant disputes, contractual disputes, and family matters, are more appropriately resolved through civil legal processes.
Conclusion
The law does not always align with popular opinion or common assumptions.
Many individuals find themselves in legal difficulty not because they intended to break the law, but because they mistakenly believed they were exercising a right that, in fact, did not exist.
Understanding the limits of one’s rights is therefore essential to avoiding unnecessary legal consequences.
Question for reflection: Which of these misconceptions do you think is most common in society today?
Source:;Felix NYAABA is a PLC candidate @GSL)