This question arises from the following question: 
[WorkPlace_Refusal][1]


  [1]: https://workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/152608/am-i-being-ethical-or-annoying-in-refusing-to-11-copy-another-companys-ui-for

If you are requested by an executive to perform a task that you believe is illegal, the executive assures you that it is legal, and later your actions are found to be illegal, what happens.

examples: 

 1. Use this javascript code from otherCompany webpage.
 2. Don't fill out this expense in the report
 3. etc.


In the original workplace question, could the employee be found infringing if he was acting on good faith?

Civil vs criminal?

 Does the complexity of the statute have any bearing (e.g. Thou shalt not kill is pretty clear rule)