Questions

1. Why is the couple not named in the article?

2. Why is the couple before the courts?

3. Describe the role of Lord Justice Beldam, Mr. Frank Moat and Mr. Lee Young.

4. Does Lord Justice Beldam appear sympathetic towards the husband or wife? Explain.

Speaking 4:

Small group discussions:

1. Do you think couples go to court too easily when there are problems in their marriage? Explain.

2. What is your understanding of the term " battered women"? What indications are there that the husband is a violent individual? How would you describe the husband's behaviour?

3. How do you think the couple's situation could be resolved?

4. Do you consider a " brief affair" grounds for divorce? Explain.

Set up mock courts in your classroom. Identify individuals to take the role of legal counsel for the prosecution and the defence. Each counsel may have a team of two or three advisers who help prepare the arguments. A judge in each court hears the arguments and decides the case. Class members not involved in the " court in session" listen to the proceedings and decide which of the courts makes the most convincing arguments.

Writing Individually, take the role of the judge and write your judgment of the case, then compare it with the judgment written by a partner.

Notes and Vocabulary

Note the non-standard construction "... the wife has an affair, which the husband finds itdifficult, over a period of three days, to come to terms with... " in a quotation from Lord Justice Beldam. This may reflect an inaccurate quote or a change in the speaker's train of thought, which is fairly common in unprepared spoken language.

an indictment: an accusation of wrongdoing; a charge; a complaint

a dash: a rush; a sudden movement with great haste

dreadful: terrible

an affair: a usually secretive (and contrary to accepted morality) sexual relationship

conciliation: peace-making; improved relations

an attempt at: an effort or try to (do something)

an outburst: a fit; a tantrum; a sudden violent expression of emotion

deputy: acting as substitute for another

headmaster: presiding officer of a school; principal; director

to grip: to hold firmly

to flee: to run away; to evade

a refuge for battered women: a safe place for women who have been beaten by their spouse

counsel: a lawyer who pleads cases in court

adamant: stubborn; obstinate; unwilling to yield

remorseful: sorry

to pester: to annoy; to bother; to irritate

MARRIAGE COUNSELLING