Making Laws Slideshow: Letter of the Law and Intent of the Law

Letter of the law

the word for word definition of the law

Intent/Spirit of the law

the goal of the law

What is the intent of the following law? When two trains come to a crossing, neither shall go until the other has passed.

To prevent train crashes.

What is the intent of the following law? Dancing and drinking may not occur at the same establishment.

To prevent accidents resulting from alcohol consumed at parties.

What is the intent of the following law? No person may walk about in public if he or she has the common cold.

To prevent the spread of the common cold.

What is the intent of the following law? It is mandatory for a motorist with criminal intentions to stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town.

To add an additional charge to increase punishment.