The city of Beautifica has established a lovely park in the city. The park is a place where people can find grass, trees, flowers, and quiet. In addition, there are playgrounds and picnic areas. A road runs through the park. Now the road is closed. The city legislators passed a law saying that no vehicles are allowed in the park. The city legislators wish to preserve some elements of nature undisturbed.
The law-"No Vehicles in the Park"-seems clear, but some disputes have arisen over its meaning as police begin to enforce the law.
1. Interpret the law in the following situations. Keep in mind what the law says as well as what the lawrnakers intended.
2. Examine each situation and decide whether you will uphold the ticket that each person received for having a vehicle in the park.
3. Explain the reasons for your choices.
Tony lives on one side of the city and works on the other. He drove through the park to save ten minutes and received a ticket.
Sentence Starter: I will/will not uphold the ticket because
Your answer
To keep the park clean, trash barrels are located throughout the area. The sanitation department drove a truck into the park to collect the trash from the barrels and received a ticket.
Sentence Starter. I will/will not uphold the ticket because.
Your answer
Juanita decides to ride her bicycle through the park. She is given a ticket.*
Sentence Starter: I will/will not uphold the ticket because,
Your answer
1. I will uphold the ticket for Tony driving through the park, as the law clearly states no vehicles are allowed in the park, regardless of the reason. The intent of the law is to preserve the natural elements of the park undisturbed.
2. I will not uphold the ticket for the sanitation department collecting trash in the park, as they are performing a necessary service to maintain the cleanliness of the park. The intent of the law is to prevent unnecessary vehicular traffic in the park.
3. I will not uphold the ticket for Juanita riding her bicycle through the park, as a bicycle is not considered a vehicle in the traditional sense and does not pose the same threat to the park's natural elements as motorized vehicles. The intent of the law is to prevent large vehicles from entering the park.