The legal rule in a case is expressed in words, but in this case, as in any legal reasoning, words are slippery characters. They need a lot of attention if we are to avoid being misled by them. It...

The legal rule in a case is expressed in words, but in this case, as in any legal reasoning, words are slippery characters. They need a lot of attention if we are to avoid being misled by them. It would have been quite possible, for instance, for Savage to have known the rule of law in this situation and to have honestly believed that she deserved to have the debt discharged.

1. What is the legal rule in this case? Clue: When it was time for the court to make its decision, what standard did it use to reach its conclusion?

 2. What is the key ambiguous phrase in this decision? What alternative meanings does that phrase have? Clue: Can you imagine any reasonable person believing that private school in Savage’s situation is a necessary expenditure for her family?