TASK DEFINITION: Given a text, write a compressed version of it in a single sentence.
PROBLEM: ""Dictionary definitions are not always helpful to the court, and slavish adherence to these should be avoided if the result is to frustrate the intention of the legislation," he said."

SOLUTION: He said that dictionary definitions are not always helpful, and using them should be avoided if it frustrates the legislation.

PROBLEM: At this point, planners have focused on short-term repair of PATH and subway lines, with medium-range proposals being shopped in Washington that could untangle the disorganized web of subway lines downtown.

SOLUTION: Planners have focused on short-term repair of PATH & subway lines, with medium-range proposals proposed in Washington to clear the subway lines downtown.

PROBLEM: As more environmental data become available and science improves, we are observing some environmental improvement accompanying the downward trend in emissions. However, there are persistent and growing concerns regarding recovery of ecosystems and the risks that air pollution pose to human health.

SOLUTION:
As more environmental data become available and science improves, we're observing improvement with the downward trend in emissions. However, there are concerns regarding recovery of ecosystems and the risks of air pollution.