Correct interpretation of the law, a problem for us all

Correct interpretation of the law, a problem for us all / Cuban Law
Association, Yureisy Ceballos Pendones
Posted on December 27, 2013

Recently I was consulted about a case in an action which seems to form
part of the working style of those who are, one way or another, employed
in the law. I am referring specifically to the office of the Port of Cuba.

A young man decided to leave the country illegally, he was repairing a
boat on the north coast of Camagüey when he was surprised by the
authorities of the said organisation and went through the administrative
process with a fine of 3000.00 Cuban pesos (CUP).

The kid immediately admitted his intention, affirmed to the
functionaries his intention to put in good order the boat which they
found on the ground in order to set out to sea once his work was done.
Nevertheless they applied Art.1 Point g of the Decree 194, which
establishes, and I quote,"to enter or leave or navigate through
territorial waters, without the corresponding dispatch note or
authorisation from the port office or disobeying a person duly accredited."

As you can appreciate, what he was accused of did not occur in any of
the actions described and checked, to apply correctly the regulation
covering such conduct they should have referred to Art. 1 Point b, which
basically refers to, "to repair vessels without due authorisation from
the port office," an offence which only carries a fine of up to 1500.00
CUP, on the basis of which I am now representing this citizen, on the
basis of the considerations I have mentioned.

Following these comments, all we need to do now is consider on what does
the office base its action, if roughly speaking they are aware of the
injustice which results from interpreting the regulation in the way they
have clearly set out.

Translated by GH

13 December 2013

Source: Correct interpretation of the law, a problem for us all / Cuban
Law Association, Yureisy Ceballos Pendones | Translating Cuba -
http://translatingcuba.com/correct-interpretation-of-the-law-a-problem-for-us-all-cuban-law-association-yureisy-ceballos-pendones/