What Is a Jurist Doctorate Degree?

A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) is the academic degree awarded to students who successfully complete the established requirements for a prescribed course of study at an accredited law school.

Three-Year Course

The J.D. degree takes three years to complete. Some law schools offer a part-time evening course of study that is completed in four years.

Required Courses

A typical course of study during the first year of law school requires students to complete courses in contracts, civil procedure, criminal law and torts.

Features

At most law schools during the second year, certain courses such as commercial and constitutional law are required, but a student is allowed to chose some electives. The course of study during the third year is usually comprised of courses a student selects and may include such topics as securities regulations, administrative law and corporate taxation.

Socratic Method

Most law schools still follow the Socratic method of instruction, where knowledge of the principles of the law are disseminated by constant questioning and prodding from the student's professor during classroom instruction.

Considerations

In most jurisdictions, a J.D. degree is a prerequisite for being admitted to practice law.

References

• What is a Juris Doctor