2. Translate the following text in written form.

Одна из общих характеристик права заключается в том, что оно - метод социальной регуляции. В различные исторические периоды те или иные социальные или политические структуры посредством понятия “право” стремятся утвердить в своих интересах определённые социальные отношения, принципы, действия, нормы и идеалы.

Исторически первым источником права явился правовой обычай. Основой для него послужили обычаи, утвердившиеся в обществе. Однако они уже не повторялись в своём прежнем виде, а видоизменялись в соответствии с новыми потребностями общественного развития. Правовым обычаем в настоящее время считается такой обычай, на который делается ссылка в соответствующей статье нормативного акта.

Discussion Points

1. “Law exists to protect the property of those who have political power”. If you do not agree with the statement prove the opposite with your own examples.

2. “Mercy killing should not be punished”. Give points for and against this statement.

3. “Every law has a loophole (лазейка). Explain this proverb and if you agree - give your example to prove it.

Extra Activity

1. Read the following newspaper article and say what your verdict would be in the similar case. Good Excuse for Speeding

INDIANAPOLIS (UPI) - A driver who claimed he was driving too fast because he was trying to kill a bee has won an award for his arresting officer for offering the most creative excuse for speeding in Indiana.

The Police League of Indiana on Thursday awarded the prize to Marion County Sherriff's Lt. Lee Hyland, who told of stopping the speeder.

Hyland, who heads Marion County's traffic control division, said the driver claimed he was allergic to bees and was afraid of the stinging insects.

The lieutenant said the driver even offered a dead bee as evidence - but Hyland noticed it had dust on its wings.

"The guy admitted he had been carrying that bee around in his pocket for months in case he ever got stopped", Hyland said.

The driver, who was not named, told Hyland the story had worked in the past. Hyland gave him a speeding ticket.

The league chose from more than 150 entries from across the state.

Robert Williams, league president and a Sheibyville police detective, awarded Hyland a police scanner for relating "the most humorous" excuse.

(The Mainichi Daily News, Tokyo)

2. Read the story and answer the question.

“Mr Grey?” inquired Shadow,” I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. Your brother- in- law is dead and I have reason to believe he was murdered.”

“Oh no!” replied Grey. “I just saw Sam a couple days ago. Ti tell you the truth though, I’m not surprised. Sam did have a big mouth and quite a few enemies. As a matter of fact both of my sisters’ husbands and Sam had a big fight over a business deal that went wrong. Then there was a friend of my of my brother’s who lent Sam a lot of money and never got it back. Another person is my wife’s brother who just got out of jail. He accused Sam of framing him. He swore he would get even.” As Grey talked on about Sam’s enemies, Shadow got out the handcuffs and arrested him on suspicion of murder. Why?