Eesh, I'm pretty terrible at this blog thing. For those of you who aren't law students, the length of time between postings indicates how exciting the events at law school are. The more exciting the events, the more postings. My last posting was in December...reach your own conclusions.
I started this blog in order to have some sort of relief from the real-world hell that is law school. But looking back, I realize it's become more of a law school etiquette blog. So, in keeping with that theme, here's another pet peeve of mine.
Let me paint you a picture:
Class begins at 12:45 and lasts until 2:10. The professor is very knowledgeable and likes to share anecdotes, so the class NEVER lets out early. Then one magical day, at 1:45 p.m., the professor looks at the class and says the words every law student wants to hear: "Well, that's all I have for today." Collective internal cheering passes through the crowd, and students begin to pack up their backpacks. And then, he asks the dreaded four words: "Are there any questions?" I whisper a silent prayer to myself, begging God to not let there be any questions, all the while shooting dirty looks at any person with an inquisitive look on his/her face. "Don't do it...don't you dare do it." And then there it is: a hand in the air. Dreams are crushed; there is quiet sobbing. So close, yet so far.
Law classes are full of questions, and rightfully so. These are difficult concepts we're struggling with. Any other day of the week, I will fight (figuratively, as I know the consequences for battery) for someone's right to ask a question during class. I actually prefer people to ask questions because that is less time that I might be forced to talk. There is one big exception, though. When a professor is going to let you out of class early, please refrain from asking questions. Please especially refrain when this professor never ends class early. You can always hang around after and ask (you know the professor is free until the scheduled end of class), or you can e-mail the professor. In addition to not asking questions, please do not offer general opinions on matters. If you're not a Supreme Court justice and the professor hasn't specifically asked you what your opinion is, odds are that I don't care what you think. Actually, scratch the Supreme Court justice requirement.
During the time limits of class, feel free to express your opinion or ask questions. Although I may not care, that is absolutely your right and your opportunity to express yourself. But be warned: if your opinion over the matters of the class or your questions which could easily be asked later prevent me from getting that rare and glorious reprieve, I will be forced to give you the dirtiest looks I can muster and be annoyed with you until the end of time.
