Doctor of Law facts for kids

A Doctor of Law or Doctor of Laws is a special university degree for people who want to work in the field of law. It's a high-level qualification that helps someone become an expert in legal matters. This degree can have different names depending on the country. Some common names include the Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D. or S.J.D.), Doctor juris (Dr. iur. or Dr. jur.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Juris Doctor (J.D.), and Legum Doctor (LL.D.).

The Juris Doctor (often called J.D.) is a type of academic degree in law. It is a professional doctorate, which means it's a degree that specifically prepares people for a certain job. Just like a Doctor of Medicine degree prepares doctors, the Juris Doctor prepares future lawyers. In the United States, the J.D. is the main degree you need to become a lawyer.

What is a Law Degree?

A law degree is a university qualification that teaches you all about the rules and systems that govern a country. These rules are called laws. Studying law helps you understand how society works and how to solve problems fairly. It's a challenging but rewarding field.

Becoming a Lawyer

People who earn a Doctor of Law or Juris Doctor degree often become lawyers. Lawyers help people understand their rights and responsibilities. They can work in many different areas. For example, some lawyers help businesses with contracts. Others might help individuals with legal issues.

What Do Lawyers Do?

Lawyers do many important things. They can advise people on legal matters. They also represent people in court. This means they speak for their clients to a judge or jury. Lawyers need to be good at reading, writing, and speaking. They also need to be very good at solving problems.

The Juris Doctor Explained

The Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is usually earned after completing a bachelor's degree. In the United States, it typically takes about three years of full-time study at a law school. During this time, students learn about many different areas of law. These include things like contracts, property, and how the government works.

Why is the J.D. Important?

The J.D. degree is important because it's the main qualification needed to practice law in the United States. After earning a J.D., most people must also pass a special exam called the Bar Exam. This exam makes sure that new lawyers have the knowledge and skills to help clients responsibly.

Images for kids

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  Jesus amongst the Doctors of the Law, a painting from 1515–1519.

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  The Kramer Law School at the University of Cape Town.