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I already stated the kid is technically correct and the teacher needs to update his policy if that is his intent. I deal with contact requirements and specifications on a daily basis, so I very well know how a contractor can and will shirk responsibility due to technicalities in an insufficient contract and how sometimes that attitude can lead to business relationships running afoul.you must not write contracts for a living.
Intent is irrelevant. How is anyone supposed to know what someone else intended? If your intent was to have 5 papers submitted of a certain quality, state that.
If you want the hot tub included with the house you bought, you gonna intend for them to give it to you through the spirit of mutual satisfaction? No, you are going to put it in the contract.
The word that matters is explicit. As in written.
The only one who is doing anything morally wrong is the professor. He is assuming intent and leaving his students to figure it out. And when one did, they got bent.
With that said the kid is not only completely correct here, they should get extra credit it for working efficiently.