The law is all about rules. Studying the law is no different. Be it not studying in bed, blocking distractions, doing all of the readings, going to every class, avoiding last minute tutorial preparation, or not starting assignments two days before the due date, we’ve heard them all.
Being quite partial to prolonged procrastination, I’ve devised (at the last minute, of course) some general arguments in defence of your academically adverse behaviour.
Disclaimer: It is unlikely that any of these defences will stand up in an academic appeal. Should you break the study rules, you should consult your conscience before deciding to employ any of the following defences.
The Defence of Motivation
Sometimes the best motivator is a well-deserved break. Note that while ‘well-deserved’ is a subjective threshold, there might be a fine line between motivation and procrastination. However, we are yet to find this line.
It’s also well known that happiness and motivation are linked, so if Facebooking or procrastibaking makes you happy, why not do it while studying?!
The Defence of Comfort
It’s hard to concentrate when you’re uncomfortable. And your bed is comfortable. I’m sure you can work out where this argument is going…
The Defence of Convenience
Heading out to the library at 11pm is just not convenient. Nor is going to all of the classes all of the time, or reading 200+ pages every week. Should you find yourself straying from these study rules, you’re welcome to use this defence… But only if it’s convenient to do so.
The Defence of Synergy
There are just not enough hours in the day or days in the week for you to devote your complete attention everything you do! Because of this, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with killing two birds with one stone (but only in the metaphorical sense).
The Defence of Sanity
Your last resort defence is the opposite of an insanity plea. The argument is simple: you needed to break the rules to preserve your mental health.
If none of the above defences fit your study crime(s), just remember that most rules only apply in very specific circumstances, and some are mere obiter: persuasive, but not binding.
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