[mefdinkins]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I'd like to present everyone with an introduction to Rules Lawyering and a common lesson that is used from high school debate classes to legal writing courses in law schools. The lesson is called 'No Vehicles in the Park.' This lesson will demonstrate the challenges facing the staff in making 'definitive rules' and may help you rules lawyer your way into claiming that camp you always dreamed of.

This lesson centers on the 'rule' NO VEHICLES IN THE PARK. The rule seems simple enough. However, while discussing it we will gain a better understanding of judicial decision making and legislative interpretation.

No Vehicles in the Park

The town of Kelethin has established a beautiful park in Greater Fay. The city council wished to preserve some elements of nature, undisturbed by city noise, traffic, pollution, and crowding. It is a place where citizens can go and find grass, trees, flowers, and quiet. In addition, there are playground and picnic areas. At all entrances to the park the following sign has been posted: "No Vehicles in the Park."

Although the law/sign seems clear some disputes have arisen over the interpretation of the law. Please interpret the law in the cases that follow, keeping in mind the letter of the law as well as the intent of the law.

Case 1 - An ambulance has a Crushbone train victim in it and is racing to the nearest cleric. The shortest route is through the park.

Case 2 - Some little gnomes are sick of Mino Hero killing them in Steamfont and want to ride their bikes through the safer GFay playground.

Case 3 - Some retired senior citizen Veterans from the war on Sol B enjoy the park but can only travel through it on motorized scooters.

Case 4 - A druid grounds keeper has been driving through the park in his truck / cherry picker for the last ten years, it allows him to trim the highest reaching trees and keep the park clean.

Case 5 - An enchanter drives his ice cream slash clarity slash crack truck into the parks and parks near some benches to sell crack/ice cream.

Determine if each case is a rule violation or not. Consider the letter of the law and the purpose of the law while making a decision. If the law needs to be changed consider altering the 'rule' and what impact the alteration would have on other cases.

Thanks,
Mef/Snooch