The Doctor Of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degree, Harvard Law School’s most advanced legal qualification, is meticulously crafted for individuals aspiring to become legal academics. This program is tailored for those who are driven to undertake sustained independent study, engage in rigorous research, and produce impactful legal writing. Over recent years, Harvard has cultivated a dynamic and diverse intellectual community comprising promising scholars from across the globe. A significant number of S.J.D. graduates go on to secure prestigious teaching positions in their native countries, within the U.S., and in other nations, contributing significantly to the global legal academia. Typically, the program hosts around 60 S.J.D. candidates, the majority of whom are in residence, representing a diverse mix of 25 to 30 countries. These candidates are primarily selected from Harvard’s elite LL.M. graduates. The ultimate goal of the S.J.D. program is for each candidate to produce a doctoral dissertation that makes a substantial and valuable contribution to the field of legal scholarship.
Stages of the S.J.D. Program
The S.J.D. program at Harvard Law School is structured into five distinct stages, each designed to ensure a comprehensive and rigorous academic journey:
1. Study Plan Completion and Coursework
The initial phase involves the development and completion of a detailed study plan, which includes specific coursework tailored to the candidate’s research interests and academic goals within the broader field of juridical science. This stage ensures a solid foundation for the advanced research to come.
2. Oral Examination
Candidates must successfully complete an oral examination, often referred to as the general examination. This critical evaluation assesses the candidate’s grasp of fundamental legal principles and their preparedness to embark on advanced doctoral research in their chosen area of doctor of juridical science.
3. S.J.D. Colloquium Presentations
Throughout their candidature, individuals are required to deliver two presentations at the S.J.D. Colloquium. These presentations provide a platform for candidates to share their ongoing research, receive constructive feedback from faculty and peers, and refine their scholarly work in a supportive academic environment.
4. Dissertation Submission and Acceptance
A cornerstone of the S.J.D. program is the submission and acceptance of a doctoral dissertation. This dissertation must represent original research and make a significant contribution to legal scholarship, demonstrating the candidate’s expertise and in-depth understanding of their chosen area within juridical science.
5. Dissertation Oral Defense
The final stage culminates in a successful oral defense of the dissertation. Candidates must present and defend their research findings and conclusions before a committee of legal scholars, showcasing their mastery of the subject matter and their capacity for advanced legal reasoning within the doctor of juridical science discipline.
Faculty Supervision
Each S.J.D. candidate benefits from the guidance of a dedicated faculty supervisor throughout their degree pursuit. Chosen by the candidate and approved by the Committee on Graduate Studies, this supervisor, a full-time member of the Harvard Law School faculty, provides mentorship and expert advice, ensuring the candidate’s research aligns with the highest standards of legal scholarship and the rigorous expectations of the Doctor of Juridical Science program.
Conclusion
The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) from Harvard Law School represents the highest level of legal education, designed to cultivate the next generation of leading legal scholars. Through a structured yet flexible program, culminating in a significant dissertation, the S.J.D. empowers graduates to make meaningful contributions to legal academia and the broader understanding of juridical science worldwide.
