By now, you probably heard about the unfortunate circumstance in which a young lady taking the bar exam at Hofstra University had a panic attack, which many observers believed was a heart attack.
Controversy ensued when the monitors told the test takers to ignore the hysteria in the room and to continue taking the exam with the clock running. Many students raised complaints after the fact, noting how they were agitated and could not concentrate. At the very least, they lost a great deal of time extending concern to the young woman undergoing the medical emergency.
Hofstra’s analysis concluded that the monitor acted appropriately and the test results will stand. Many who disagreed with the decision pushed back. A New York City assemblywoman has even promoted legislation that would “stop the clock” in future similar situations.
It shouldn’t have to come to legislation to invoke common sense. As to the exam, there should be counting of the score if the test taker passed. If they failed, and they were in the vicinity of the person having an attack, they should void the score and allow them to take it over. It should not count as a failure.
Some people may say “big deal”; get your act together. You’re an adult trying to be a lawyer. You have to stay focused and, if you couldn’t, it says a lot about you becoming a new lawyer. This is nonsense.
For one, if you have any heart at all, your first concern is going to be with the person in your vicinity who might be dying in front of your eyes. Your initial instinct is to try to help. That’s important because the exam doesn’t only test your knowledge, it is on a strict time limit. Every minute could be a valuable minute in determining whether you pass or fail.
So here’s some common sense for the committee: Have a better protocol in place in the future that can deal with these types of emergencies. Indeed, the clock should be stopped when these types of events happen. And don’t punish those affected by the unanticipated event if they failed. They’d have a good excuse.