Navigating Legal Challenges in Academia

This chapter explores the initial teaching challenges faced by a new college instructor in a criminal law class and the lessons learned from mentorship. It emphasizes the importance of understanding legal implications surrounding syllabi, grading, and faculty decisions, while clarifying that syllabi should be viewed as communication tools rather than binding contracts. The discussion advocates for a proactive approach to syllabus creation, aiming to reduce misunderstandings and legal risks in the educational environment.