That would depend on what each are, the spirit of a law could be mean spirited but the law itself is worded for leeway or a law could be worded in such a way as to punish harshly but spiritually be meant to protect society from the worst offenders. Also people might have a different interpretation as to what the spirit of the law is.

I think both Letter and spirit must be considered before deciding which course you should take.

I see it as the spirit is what is meant by the writers when they write it, and the letter is exactly what the law says without interpretation.

that is not in dispute.

I do agreee with you in that both the letter and the spirit should both be upheld, but i also believe the spirit should come first, but if the spirit ane the law cannot be upheld, then the law must be changed to where they can coexist without opposing each other. Does that make sense?

yes.