Legal Gobbledygook

I am a student of law.

I actually first studied law in 2001 for just a year and continued only in 2008. Now I felt like a freshman all over again, though not the type who is taking studies too seriously. Not to say that I find studying law quite easy that I do not see the need to be serious in my studies. In fact, I find it really hard. It's just that studying frustrates me a bit because law books are so difficult to read and digest.

Mind you I love reading. It's my most favorite past-time next to writing and singing (hehe). I read newspapers, magazine, novels, non-fiction, trivia bits, even product labels and billboard signs. But law books, I have to force myself to read them. I usually feel the urge only when I'm due for recitation or it's near the exam period.

I tried to find a good reason why I am not very much interested in reading law books. They are too text-heavy. They are voluminous. They are monotonous. These reasons simply won't stand as arguments in the classroom, much more in court.

Then I realized what makes reading law books unappealing for me is the syntax - particularly on sentence structure. The law has its own language and it is not plain English. Strunk & White surely will have a hell of a time editing codal provisions, jurisprudence, and legal textbooks if they try to make them as reader-friendly as any mainstream publications. Legal speak ignores rules on the use of a comma or simple sentence construction or sometimes grammar. That is also why it is open to so many interpretations.

Should I blame the authors then if I mess up during recitation or if I fail my exams? Or should I call for a reform in the way legal resources are written. (Maybe a good proposition.)

Nah, am just trying to justify my laziness here. I should know I'm in for difficult times when I decided to enrol in law school.

Excuses denied.

Heads No More

Final Set is E-Heads’ last performance?

I used to drown in Ligaya and hum With a Smile with my Pare Koys as we listen to Ang Huling El Bimbo of the Eraserheads Minsan in a Fine Time during Sembreak some years ago. The band was a phenomenon, paving the way for OPM renaissance that gained further momentum when new bands inspired by the E’heads emerged and infused equally catchy, witty, and poetic songs into the local music scene.

The E’heads, however, got tired too soon; probably thinking they had already reached elite status and had nothing more to prove together. So they went their separate ways and formed bands of their own. And the E’heads was no more.

After a successful tribute album of their hit songs by various artists, the E’heads is now busy regrouping at least for one-night concerts to delight fans. The first attempt was almost completely successful had not Ely stressed himself much preparing for the reunion concert that led to his collapse in the middle of the performance due to fatigue. It being an unfinished business, another one is set to happen soon.

Though I’m a certified E’heads fan, I’m not that excited, say uninterested, about this reunion gig. For me, the band is already done. Their songs are just happy tunes of yesteryears. I can listen to E’heads songs in my MP3 player and it’s the same as seeing them in reunion concerts. There is nothing new about them.

In a way, I felt cheated as a fan when the E’heads suddenly broke up. They had more productive years ahead of them, yet they chose to put to waste their combined talents. They allowed their personality clashes to kill the band. Or was it personal ambitions?

Legends in the music industry are so-called because of their continued success despite their longevity in the business – think of the Rolling Stones or Journey. The E’heads was probably barely halfway through its expected career-span when the band members decided to split and left their fans hanging (translation: naiwan sa ere).

I’m still a fan though.

Lift your head, baby don’t be scared…(humming)