It most assuredly will give you an understanding of the Latinisms. Not that I came across many Latinisms during my law degree.* Latin legal terminology is more pervasive in the US and civil law countries.
I've come across many, of which, a lot are important to know. As in; Mens Rea, Actus rea, Ratio deciendi etc.
It is quite easy to be fair. I think OP has a legitimate reason for not making it to class, if they have to commute in. It says little about laziness, more about their living arrangements.