To ask everyone to read the actual law

[justicedanceson]

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1200/pdfs/uksi_20201200_en.pdf

I appreciate there are many different ways people will try to reduce the virus for moral reasons and that’s all for the good where people are able to do that. We will all be in different situations.

But as far as what we can expect of other people and get annoyed about.... might help if everyone read the law. If another person is keeping to the actual law but not your personal judgement then have a chat about it fine, but it’s a difference of opinion not something you can claim complete authority on. Since the law is the authority in this case.

Well it would certainly reduce the traffic on MN ....

A lot of posters on here don’t have google so a link might help. But don’t hold your breath.

@AnneLovesGilbert

A lot of posters on here don’t have google so a link might help. But don’t hold your breath.

There is a link in the first like of OPs post

I wish those on the radio who are experts (like GPs) would stick to that too. One on our local station suggested "local area" for exercise meant [x] miles when there's no evidence for that and it was his interpretation. Some will take it as gospel. So annoyed.

People should also read about the difference between legislation and guidance and also the meanings of must and should.

Thanks for the reminder about 'local area' I was meaning to look into whether that was defined in law.

There is a link in the first like of OPs post

Yep. That’s what I was mentioning...,

Yabu people should stick to both guidance and law not check what they can “get away with”.

Statute is not written in a way that is accessible to most people. Indeed it's open to interpretation when read by lawyers, hence why we need courts!

If someone isn't sure if they're acting within the law or not, it's better to ask for help.

@BarbaraofSeville

People should also read about the difference between legislation and guidance and also the meanings of must and should.

Thanks for the reminder about 'local area' I was meaning to look into whether that was defined in law.

I'd have thought that anyone who has passed their driving test should fully understand the different meanings of "must" and "should" as it's pretty fundamental when it comes to The Highway Code. The same principals apply to ALL other laws/rules/guidance.

But but but... how else will people show that they are morally a better person than you? Or that they care more for people than the customers of poundland. Ridiculous idea OP.

I think "local area" is deliberately undefined as it's dependant on context. Much of black letter law is the same. If you behave reasonably that should be sufficient.

Wait... You want people to read the actual law and know and apply the facts? Don’t be silly!

That'll teach me to actually read the legislation first! Local area isn't mentioned at all. There are just the exemptions relating to exercise, going to a garden /beach etc with no reference to location or distance

If people were sensible Op, then how could they enjoy the view from up there on their high horse??

I think "local area" is deliberately undefined as it's dependant on context. Much of black letter law is the same. If you behave reasonably that should be sufficient

Ah, OK makes sense. Trouble is that you then get the covid police taking a comment like the one from Michael Gove when put on the spot about outdoor exercise saying something like 'I would have thought that about an hour would be about right for most people' and turning it into a rule that it is illegal to leave your house for more than an hour a day.

Clear as mud

Yabu people should stick to both guidance and law not check what they can “get away with”

No-one is trying to 'get away' with anything. They're trying to clarify exactly what is and isn't allowed when their own personal situation doesn't fit in the examples given in the guidance - such people who live a couple of miles along a busy pavementless road from a nice quiet wooded area wanting to know whether it's OK to drive there or should they stick to taking their chances against the traffic bombing past their house at 50 mph when they have people telling them that it's illegal to drive for exercise and if they do so everyone's Granny will die.

Yabu people should stick to both guidance and law

and if they conflict with each other?

@AnneLovesGilbert

There is a link in the first like of OPs post

Yep. That’s what I was mentioning...,

It's a clickable link though - if a poster is accessing mumsnet then they won't have a problem with clicking on the link surely? What's 'a google' got to do with anything?

Thanks for posting OP, interesting to read the actual law.

I'm happy to comply with the law thanks. It's what parliament have passed, and the police and courts can enforce. That's how a democracy works.

"and if they conflict with each other?"

Law trumps guidance every time, regardless of what our government would like us to think.

So what would you say to the guidance? That's neither law nor personal opinion...

I thought it had to go through the Lords as well to be law. Was it?

@Nomnomarrgh

I thought it had to go through the Lords as well to be law. Was it?

It's not a new Act of Parliament, just regulations issued under the powers of an existing Act.