The Spirit of the Law...

Since recording The Lawful Good Show, there have been many spirited discussions between Tyler and myself about the contents of the show, and one of the things he regretted not having mentioned in the podcast itself was the difference between the "Letter of the Law" and the "Spirit of the Law". 

For example, I just got a motorcycle learner's permit. It states that I cannot carry a passenger unless it's a certificated driving instructor. Picture any new rider 1) carrying a passenger on the back of their bike and 2) having that passenger trying to yell driving instructions to them while they are riding. 

Hilarious, right?

I am sure that the motorcycle provisions were copied directly from the auto rules where this scenario seems a lot less ludicrous. So even though the Law says I can carry an instructor, I'll be damned if I plan on doing it. Because not only am I not ready for passengers, I don't really think the idea is to let new riders carry passengers. 

"Spirit" of the Law, right?

Of course if I were Lawful Stupid, I could find myself a driving instructor with a death wish...

Any examples you can think of where it might be better to follow the "spirit" rather than the "letter"? And what would a paladin do?