Interpretation does not eliminate responsibility
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Core Principle
Interpretation does not eliminate responsibility.
Meaning
In Tsm’syen law, interpretation clarifies meaning; it does not transfer, absorb, or erase responsibility. Those who act remain accountable for their conduct, decisions, and consequences.
No interpretation removes the duty to act lawfully.
General Principles
- Responsibility follows action: Authority and accountability remain with the decision-maker.
- Interpretation is guidance: Elders clarify obligations but do not assume blame.
- No shielding through advice: Interpretation cannot be used to excuse harm or misconduct.
- Accountability is personal and collective: Houses, clans, and individuals remain answerable.
- Witnessed responsibility: Accountability is recognized through witnesses and lawful process.
Lawful application
- Individuals remain responsible for how they apply advice.
- Houses retain responsibility for decisions made within their authority.
- Elders are responsible for the integrity of their guidance, not for the actions taken by others.
- Responsibility persists even when interpretation is later shown to be flawed.
Limits
- Interpretation does not authorize unlawful conduct.
- Advice does not replace duty or consequence.
- Responsibility cannot be delegated upward to elders or outward to law.
Modern context
This principle prevents:
- use of elders as shields for misconduct
- deflection of blame onto interpretation
- imported systems that separate authority from responsibility
- erosion of accountability through procedural loopholes