Sitting an exam

Here is an allegedly true story from Cambridge University. In May 2007 during a Peterhouse exam, a student called Newton looked up and asked the proctor to bring him cakes and ale.

Proctor: I beg your pardon?

Student: I request that you bring me cakes and ale.

Proctor: Sorry, no.

At this point the student produced a copy of the 600-year-old “Laws of Cambridge,” written in Latin and still nominally in effect, and pointed to the section which read (in Latin): “Students sitting examinations may request cakes and ale.” Newton argued that Pepsi cola and a cheeseburger were the nearest equivalent of the ancient right, and so he sat there, writing his examination and chomping away happily on his burger. The next day, he was summoned to appear before the University Court of Discipline for not wearing a sword to the examination. Newton was fined 1 pound.