Ditching the Syllabus

Today was a big red-letter day for Doug and I, since we focus on federal sentencing:  The Supreme Court issued its opinion in Cunningham, which has major implication for the federal system.  When an opinion like that comes down, I sometimes will ditch my syllabus, run into class with the hot-off-the-press opinion, and riff off of that instead.  [Not today, though-- I'm not teaching sentencing this quarter, and I'm in Philly for a 3d Circuit argument on a related topic]

Is it worth it?  On the plus side, covering the hot case offers the advantages of immediacy and the obvious excitement of the prof.  It also allows for a more free-wheeling discussion, particularly in a seminar.  On the minus side, it means other material may not be covered as thoroughly, and there may not have been time to properly digest the opinion itself.

As with so many things, the key may be moderation.  It can be worthwhile to spend some time talking about the hot new case, but not the entire hour, or even most of that time.  This can take some self-control from the excited prof to cut off discussion of the hot case and refocus on other matters, but in the end may be necessary to create a proper balance.

-- Mark Osler