[vore]

I think unfortunately in almost all cases the spirit of the law is more important than the word of the law, and most courts frown upon this kind of chicanery. I think this encourages her to "well, actually" people more, which nobody likes being on the receiving end of :-)

[dotancohen]

  > I think unfortunately in almost all cases the spirit of the law is more important than the word of the law, and most courts frown upon this kind of chicanery.

I was under the impression that the word of the law is preferred. If anybody here has experience, in any jurisdiction, I would love to know more.

  > I think this encourages her to "well, actually" people more, which nobody likes being on the receiving end of :-)

Well, actually, I do want to encourage her to defend herself by all possible means, especially to be able to challenge the law :-)

[stainablesteel]

in the original context though, you're not dealing with the law but an "order". you were "ordered" by some police officer to do something that you can't refuse.