It’s a familiar feeling: that slight smirk of knowing something others don’t, especially when it involves correcting a common misconception. In the world of legal education, one such point of confusion revolves around the very name of the degree earned by law school graduates. You might hear it called a “juris doctorate,” but is that actually correct? The answer, unequivocally, is no. The proper name for the law degree is Juris Doctor, often abbreviated as JD.
This distinction might seem minor, a mere matter of semantics. However, using the correct terminology is crucial, particularly in professional and academic contexts. Imagine the raised eyebrows in a law firm or university hiring committee when an applicant lists a “juris doctorate” on their resume. It can subtly—or not so subtly—undermine their credibility.
So, why the widespread confusion between Juris Doctor and the non-existent “juris doctorate degree”? It likely stems from the general understanding of the term “doctorate.” In most fields, a doctorate signifies a terminal research degree, like a PhD. Given that a JD is the highest law degree and allows graduates to practice law, the assumption that it’s a “juris doctorate degree” is understandable, albeit inaccurate.
The term “Juris Doctor” itself is Latin, meaning “Doctor of Law.” Historically, the JD evolved from the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. As legal education became more rigorous and graduate-level focused in the United States, the LLB was replaced by the JD in the early 20th century. This change reflected the elevated academic standing of legal studies, aligning it with other professional doctorates like the Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).
It’s interesting to note that even institutions dedicated to legal education sometimes contribute to this confusion. A quick online search for “juris doctorate” will unfortunately reveal instances of law schools themselves using the incorrect term on their websites or materials. This only serves to perpetuate the myth and make it harder for individuals to discern the correct terminology.
Therefore, it’s essential to remember: if you are pursuing or have earned a law degree in the United States, or from a US-style program internationally, you have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Not a “juris doctorate degree.” Using the accurate term demonstrates attention to detail and a proper understanding of legal academia, qualities highly valued in the legal profession.
While correcting someone on this point might trigger that slightly smug, knowing feeling, it’s ultimately a helpful clarification. Ensuring the correct terminology is used contributes to clarity and accuracy within the legal field and beyond. So, the next time you hear “juris doctorate,” you’ll know to gently—or perhaps gleefully—point out the proper term: Juris Doctor.
