Legal Commentary

A question for law review editors: why the current practice of informing an author that their article is getting a "board read"?  The ostensible reasons seem to be (a) letting the author know that some folks at the review like the article and (b) keeping the author from selecting another review before a final decision has been made.  But (a) only engenders frustration if the article is not chosen.  And (b) seems pretty unlikely to me.  If the author has not expedited to your review, or if your decision will be made within the expedite timeframe, why do you think the author might pull the article prior to your decision?  Does this ever really happen?

So a plea. Perhaps I'm only speaking for myself, but it seems like the "board read" notice is unnecessary.  A board read and $3.55 will get the author a venti latte.  Send a notice only if an expedite is about to expire and you need more time.  Otherwise, you can let the author know about the board read after you accept or reject the article.