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{{short description|Undergraduate degree in law}}
{{short description|Type of undergraduate qualification}}{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}{{redirect|LLB}}{{More citations needed|date=January 2023}}
{{redirect|LLB}}
A '''Bachelor of Laws''' ({{langx|la|Legum Baccalaureus}}; '''LLB''') is an [[undergraduate]] [[law degree]] offered in most [[common law]] countries as the primary law degree and serves as the first professional qualification for legal practitioners. This degree requires the study of core legal subjects and [[jurisprudence]] to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its function. The LLB curriculum is designed to impart a thorough knowledge of legal principles, legal research skills, and a sound understanding of the roles and responsibilities of lawyers within society. This degree is often a prerequisite for taking [[bar exams]] or qualifying as a practising [[lawyer]], depending on the jurisdiction. Additionally, the LLB program also serves as a foundation for further legal education, such as a [[Master of Laws]] (LLM) or other postgraduate studies in law.
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2023}}


'''Bachelor of Laws''' ({{lang-la|Legum Baccalaureus}}; '''LL.B.''') is an undergraduate law degree in [[the United Kingdom]], [[Europe]] and most [[common law]] jurisdictions.<ref>Professional Objectives in Legal Education: American Trends and English Comparisons," Pressing Problems in the Law, Volume 2: What are Law Schools For?, Oxford University Press, 1996.</ref>  It is awarded by universities in [[Europe]], [[Australia]], the [[China|People's Republic of China]], [[Hong Kong|Hong Kong S.A.R.]], [[Macau|Macau S.A.R.]], [[Malaysia]], [[Bangladesh]], [[India]], [[Japan]], [[Pakistan]], [[Uganda]], [[Kenya]], [[Ghana]], [[New Zealand]], [[Nigeria]], [[Singapore]], [[South Africa]], [[Botswana]], [[Israel]], [[Brazil]], [[Tanzania]], [[Zambia]], and other jurisdictions.
== Region awarded ==
 
Bachelor of Laws degrees are awarded by universities in regions including [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[China]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Macau]], [[Malaysia]], [[Bangladesh]], [[India]], [[Indonesia]], [[Israel]], [[Japan]], [[Pakistan]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Uganda]], [[Kenya]], [[Ghana]], [[New Zealand]], [[Nepal]][[Nigeria|, Nigeria]], [[Singapore]], [[South Africa]], [[Botswana]], [[Brazil]], [[Tanzania]], [[Zambia]], [[Zimbabwe]], [[Malawi]], and [[the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]]. In the [[United States]], the Bachelor of Laws was the primary law degree until the 1960s, when it was phased out in favor of the [[Juris Doctor]]; Canada followed suit in the early 21st century.<ref>Historically in [[Canada]], Bachelor of Laws was the name of the first degree in common law, but is also the name of the [[Bachelor of Civil Law|first degree in Quebec civil law]] awarded by a number of Quebec universities. Canadian common-law LLB programmes were, in practice, [[Second entry degree|second-entry professional degrees]], meaning that the vast majority of those admitted to an LLB programme were already holders of one or more degrees, or, at a minimum (with very few exceptions), have completed two years of study in a first-entry, undergraduate degree in another discipline.</ref>
In the [[United States]], the Bachelor of Laws was the primary law degree until the 1960s, when it was phased out in favour of the [[Juris Doctor]]. Canada followed suit in the early 21st century.<ref>Historically in [[Canada]], Bachelor of Laws was the name of the first degree in common law, but is also the name of the [[Bachelor of Civil Law|first degree in Quebec civil law]] awarded by a number of Quebec universities. Canadian common-law LL.B. programmes were, in practice, [[second entry degree|second-entry professional degrees]], meaning that the vast majority of those admitted to an LL.B. programme were already holders of one or more degrees, or, at a minimum (with very few exceptions), have completed two years of study in a first-entry, undergraduate degree in another discipline.</ref>


==History==
==History==
The first academic degrees were all law degrees in medieval universities, and the first law degrees were [[doctorate]]s.<ref>{{Cite book| last = Verger | first = J. | contribution = Licentia | title = Lexikon des Mittelalters | volume = 5 | at = 1957–1958 | publisher = J.B. Metzler | place = Stuttgart | year = 1999| title-link = Lexikon des Mittelalters }}</ref><ref name="Lexikon des Mittelalters: Doctor, doctoratus">{{Cite book| last = Verger | first = J. | contribution = Doctor, doctoratus | title = Lexikon des Mittelalters | volume = 3 | at = 1155–1156 | publisher = J.B. Metzler | place = Stuttgart | year = 1999| title-link = Lexikon des Mittelalters }}</ref><ref>de Ridder-Symoens, Hilde: ''[[A History of the University in Europe|A History of the University in Europe: Volume 1, Universities in the Middle Ages]]'', Cambridge University Press, 1992, {{ISBN|0-521-36105-2}}</ref> The foundations of [[List of medieval universities|the first universities]] were the [[glossators]] of the 11th century, which were also schools of law.<ref>Herbermann, et al. (1915). [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05072b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia]. New York: Encyclopedia Press. Accessed 26 May 2008.</ref> The first university, that [[University of Bologna|of Bologna]], was founded as a school of law by four famous legal scholars in the 12th century who were students of the [[glossator]] school in that city. The [[University of Bologna]] served as the model for other law schools of the [[medieval]] age.<ref>García y García, A. (1992). [https://books.google.com/books?id=5Z1VBEbF0HAC&dq=bologna+doctor+title&pg=PP1 "The Faculties of Law," A History of the University in Europe], London: Cambridge University Press. Accessed 26 May 2008.</ref> While it was common for students of law to visit and study at schools in other countries, such was not the case with England because of the English rejection of [[Roman law]] (except for certain jurisdictions such as the Admiralty Court). Although the [[University of Oxford]] and the [[University of Cambridge]] did teach [[canon law]] until the [[English Reformation]], its importance was always superior to [[civil law (legal system)|civil law]] in those institutions.<ref>García y García (1992), 390.</ref>
The first academic degrees were all law degrees in medieval universities, and the first law degrees were [[doctorate]]s.<ref>{{Cite book| last = Verger | first = J. | contribution = Licentia | title = Lexikon des Mittelalters | volume = 5 | at = 1957–1958 | publisher = J.B. Metzler | place = Stuttgart | year = 1999| title-link = Lexikon des Mittelalters }}</ref><ref name="Lexikon des Mittelalters: Doctor, doctoratus">{{Cite book| last = Verger | first = J. | contribution = Doctor, doctoratus | title = Lexikon des Mittelalters | volume = 3 | at = 1155–1156 | publisher = J.B. Metzler | place = Stuttgart | year = 1999| title-link = Lexikon des Mittelalters }}</ref><ref>de Ridder-Symoens, Hilde: ''[[A History of the University in Europe|A History of the University in Europe: Volume 1, Universities in the Middle Ages]]'', Cambridge University Press, 1992, {{ISBN|0-521-36105-2}}</ref> The foundations of [[List of medieval universities|the first universities]] were the [[glossators]] of the 11th century, which were also schools of law.<ref>Herbermann, et al. (1915). [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05072b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia]. New York: Encyclopedia Press. Accessed 26 May 2008.</ref> The first university, that [[University of Bologna|of Bologna]], was founded as a school of law by four famous legal scholars in the 12th century who were students of the [[glossator]] school in that city. The [[University of Bologna]] served as the model for other law schools of the [[medieval]] age.<ref>García y García, A. (1992). [https://books.google.com/books?id=5Z1VBEbF0HAC&dq=bologna+doctor+title&pg=PP1 "The Faculties of Law," A History of the University in Europe], London: Cambridge University Press. Accessed 26 May 2008.</ref> While it was common for students of law to visit and study at schools in other countries, such was not the case with England because of the English rejection of [[Roman law]] (except for certain jurisdictions such as the Admiralty Court). Although the [[University of Oxford]] and the [[University of Cambridge]] did teach [[canon law]] until the [[English Reformation]], its importance was always superior to [[civil law (legal system)|civil law]] in those institutions.<ref>García y García (1992), 390.</ref>


"LL.B." stands for {{Lang|la|Legum Baccalaureus}} in [[Latin language|Latin]]. The "LL." of the abbreviation for the degree is from the [[genitive plural]] {{Lang|la|legum}} ("of laws"). Creating an [[Abbreviation#Plural forms|abbreviation]] for a plural, especially from Latin, is often done by doubling the first letter (e.g., "pp." for "pages").  
"LLB" stands for {{Lang|la|Legum Baccalaureus}} in Latin. The "LL." of the abbreviation for the degree is from the [[genitive plural]] {{Lang|la|legum}} ("of laws"). Creating an [[Abbreviation#Plural forms|abbreviation]] for a plural, especially from Latin, is often done by doubling the first letter (e.g., "pp." for "pages").  


The bachelor's degree originated at the University of Paris, whose system was implemented with the [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree at Oxford and Cambridge.{{sfnp|Reed|1921|p=160}} The "arts" designation of the degree traditionally signifies that the student has undertaken a certain amount of study of the classics.{{sfnp|Reed|1921|p=161}} In continental Europe, the bachelor's degree was phased out in the 18th or early 19th century but it continued at Oxford and Cambridge.
The bachelor's degree originated at the University of Paris, whose system was implemented with the [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree at Oxford and Cambridge.{{sfnp|Reed|1921|p=160}} The "arts" designation of the degree traditionally signifies that the student has undertaken a certain amount of study of the classics.{{sfnp|Reed|1921|p=161}} In continental Europe, the bachelor's degree was phased out in the 18th or early 19th century but it continued at Oxford and Cambridge.
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The teaching of law at Oxford University was for philosophical or scholarly purposes and not meant to prepare one to practise law.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=434, 435}} Professional training for practising common law in England was undertaken at the [[Inns of Court]], but over time the training functions of the Inns lessened considerably and apprenticeships with individual practitioners arose as the prominent medium of preparation.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=434, 436}} However, because of the lack of standardisation of study and of objective standards for appraisal of these apprenticeships, the role of universities became subsequently of importance for the education of lawyers in the English speaking world.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=436}}
The teaching of law at Oxford University was for philosophical or scholarly purposes and not meant to prepare one to practise law.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=434, 435}} Professional training for practising common law in England was undertaken at the [[Inns of Court]], but over time the training functions of the Inns lessened considerably and apprenticeships with individual practitioners arose as the prominent medium of preparation.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=434, 436}} However, because of the lack of standardisation of study and of objective standards for appraisal of these apprenticeships, the role of universities became subsequently of importance for the education of lawyers in the English speaking world.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=436}}


In England in 1292, when [[Edward I]] first requested that lawyers be trained, students merely sat in the courts and observed, but over time the students would hire professionals to lecture them in their residences, which led to the institution of the [[Inns of Court]] system.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=430}} The original method of education at the Inns of Court was a mix of [[moot court]]-like practice and lecture, as well as court proceedings observation.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=431}} By the seventeenth century, the Inns obtained a status as a kind of university akin to the [[University of Oxford]] and the [[University of Cambridge]], though very specialised in purpose.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=432}} With the frequent absence of parties to suits during the [[Crusades]], the importance of the lawyer role grew tremendously, and the demand for lawyers grew.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=433}}
In England in 1292, when [[Edward I]] requested that lawyers be trained, students merely sat in the courts and observed, but over time the students would hire professionals to lecture them in their residences, which led to the institution of the [[Inns of Court]] system.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=430}} The original method of education at the Inns of Court was a mix of [[moot court]]-like practice and lecture, as well as court proceedings observation.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=431}} By the seventeenth century, the Inns obtained a status as a kind of university akin to the [[University of Oxford]] and the [[University of Cambridge]], though very specialised in purpose.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=432}} With the frequent absence of parties to suits during the [[Crusades]], the importance of the lawyer role grew tremendously, and the demand for lawyers grew.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=433}}


Traditionally Oxford and Cambridge did not see common law as worthy of study, and included coursework in law only in the context of canon and civil law and for the purpose of the study of philosophy or history only. The apprenticeship programme for solicitors thus emerged, structured and governed by the same rules as the apprenticeship programmes for the trades.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=434}} The training of solicitors by apprenticeship was formally established by an act of parliament in 1729. [[William Blackstone]] became the first lecturer in English common law at the [[University of Oxford]] in 1753, but the university did not establish the programme for the purpose of professional study, and the lectures were philosophical and theoretical in nature.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=435}} Blackstone insisted that the study of law should be university based, where concentration on foundational principles can be had, instead of concentration on detail and procedure had through apprenticeship and the Inns of Court.<ref>Moline, Brian J., [http://www.washburnlaw.edu/wlj/42-4/articles/moline-brian.pdf Early American Legal Education] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509032640/http://www.washburnlaw.edu/wlj/42-4/articles/moline-brian.pdf |date=9 May 2009 }}, 42 Washburn Law Journal 775, 793 (2003).</ref>
Traditionally Oxford and Cambridge did not see common law as worthy of study, and included coursework in law only in the context of canon and civil law and for the purpose of the study of philosophy or history only. The apprenticeship programme for solicitors thus emerged, structured and governed by the same rules as the apprenticeship programmes for the trades.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=434}} The training of solicitors by apprenticeship was formally established by an act of parliament in 1729. [[William Blackstone]] became the first lecturer in English common law at the [[University of Oxford]] in 1753, but the university did not establish the programme for the purpose of professional study, and the lectures were philosophical and theoretical in nature.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=435}} Blackstone insisted that the study of law should be university based, where concentration on foundational principles can be had, instead of concentration on detail and procedure had through apprenticeship and the Inns of Court.<ref>Moline, Brian J., [http://www.washburnlaw.edu/wlj/42-4/articles/moline-brian.pdf Early American Legal Education] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509032640/http://www.washburnlaw.edu/wlj/42-4/articles/moline-brian.pdf |date=9 May 2009 }}, 42 Washburn Law Journal 775, 793 (2003).</ref>


The Inns of Court continued but became less effective, and admission to the bar still did not require any significant educational activity or examination. Therefore, in 1846, Parliament examined the education and training of prospective [[barristers]] and found the system to be inferior to the legal education provided in the United States. Therefore, formal schools of law were called for, but not finally established until later in the century, and even then the bar did not consider a university degree in admission decisions.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=436}} When law degrees were required by the English bar and bar associations in other common law countries, the LL.B. became the uniform degree for lawyers in common law countries.
The Inns of Court continued but became less effective, and admission to the bar still did not require any significant educational activity or examination. Therefore, in 1846, Parliament examined the education and training of prospective [[barristers]] and found the system to be inferior to the legal education provided in the United States. Therefore, formal schools of law were called for, but not finally established until later in the century, and even then the bar did not consider a university degree in admission decisions.{{sfnp|Stein|1981|p=436}} When law degrees were required by the English bar and bar associations in other common law countries, the LLB became the uniform degree for lawyers in common law countries.
 
==Structure of LL.B. programmes==
Historically, law students studied both [[canon law]] and [[Civil law (legal system)|civil law]]. Today, this is much less common among common law countries, who now study the English-derived [[common law]] system. Countries where the legal system is "mixed" (that is, where a mixture of the common law and the civil law form the foundations of the legal system), such as Scotland, Louisiana, South Africa and Quebec, continue the study of civil law. However, a few institutions in common law countries continue to offer alternatives to strictly English common law: for example [[Cardiff University]]'s Department of Canon (Ecclesiastical) Law, or combined programmes in common and [[French civil law]] (pertinent to [[Law of Canada|Canada's pluralist legal system]]) at [[McGill University]] and [[University of Ottawa]].
 
Upon completion of the LL.B. degree (or its equivalent), graduates are generally qualified to apply for membership of the [[bar (law)|bar]] or [[law society]]. The membership eligibility bestowed may be subject to completion of professional exams. A student may have to gain a further qualification at postgraduate level, for example a traineeship and the [[Legal Practice Course]] or [[Bar Vocational Course]] in England and Wales or the [[Postgraduate Certificate in Laws]] in [[Hong Kong]].


==Common law programs==
==Common law programs==
In most common law countries (with the exceptions of all Canadian provinces except Quebec, and the U.S.), the Bachelor of Laws programme is generally entered directly after completion of secondary school.
In most common law countries (with the exceptions of all Canadian provinces except Quebec, and the United States), the Bachelor of Laws programme is generally entered directly after completion of secondary school.


===England===
===England and Wales===
The LL.B. is an undergraduate course. In England and Wales it is also possible to study a programme for conversion to the legal profession following completion of a previous undergraduate degree unrelated to law, which entitles graduates to take the vocational courses for entry into the legal profession.
The LLB is an undergraduate course. In England and Wales it is also possible to study a programme for conversion called the Graduate Diploma in Law which allows entry to the legal profession following completion of a previous undergraduate degree unrelated to law, which entitles graduates to take the vocational courses for entry into the legal profession.


===Scotland===
===Scotland===
Although Scotland has a mixed legal system, with both civil and common law influences, the undergraduate LL.B is the primary route into the legal profession. The [[Scots Law]] LL.B. is generally taken as a four-year honours course, similar to other university degrees in Scotland. Students wishing to satisfy the [[Law Society of Scotland]] requirements to become a solicitor must also complete the postgraduate [[Diploma in Professional Legal Practice]] at an approved university.
Although Scotland has a mixed legal system, with both civil and common law influences, the undergraduate LLB is the primary route into the legal profession. The [[Scots Law]] LLB is generally taken as a four-year honours course, similar to other university degrees in Scotland. Students wishing to satisfy the [[Law Society of Scotland]] requirements to become a solicitor must also complete the postgraduate [[Diploma in Professional Legal Practice]] at an approved university.


===Australia===
===Australia===
A qualifying law degree for the purposes of admission as a lawyer in Australia is either the undergraduate LL.B. program at accredited universities, or the graduate J.D. (Juris Doctor). Every recognised qualification of each state admission board is reciprocally recognised by all other states. However, prior to degrees, there existed an alternative to a degree to become a lawyer in Australia, which was either the Barrister's Admission Board, or the Solicitor's Admission Board, whose examinations rendered one eligible to be admitted respectively. The successor of these boards that still operates the alternative is the [[Legal Profession Admission Board]], which issues the distinct Diploma in Law, equivalent to either an LL.B. or a J.D. Law degrees typically last 4 years for undergraduate admission or 3 years for university graduates.
A qualifying law degree for the purposes of admission as a lawyer in Australia is either the undergraduate LLB program at accredited universities, or the graduate JD (Juris Doctor). Every recognised qualification of each state admission board is reciprocally recognised by all other states. However, prior to degrees, there existed an alternative to a degree to become a lawyer in Australia, which was either the Barrister's Admission Board, or the Solicitor's Admission Board, whose examinations rendered one eligible to be admitted respectively. The successor of these boards that still operates the alternative is the [[Legal Profession Admission Board]], which issues the distinct Diploma in Law, equivalent to either an LLB or a JD Law degrees typically last 4 years for undergraduate admission or 3 years for university graduates.


Of the thirty-eight [[List of law schools in Australia|law schools]], thirteen of those universities have also started offering the [[Juris Doctor]] as a graduate-entry degree.
Of the thirty-eight [[List of law schools in Australia|law schools]], thirteen of those universities have also started offering the [[Juris Doctor]] as a graduate-entry degree.


===Bangladesh===
===Bangladesh===
In Bangladesh, obtaining an LL.B. degree is a prerequisite for practising as an advocate in a court of law. Both LL.B. and LL.B. (Hons.) degrees are offered at public and private universities. Only seven public universities offer LL.B. (Hons.) degree. Some private universities also offer four-year LL.B. (Hons.) degrees and one-year LL.M. courses. The [[National University of Bangladesh]] also offers a two-year LL.B. degree to graduates of subjects other than law. The [[University of Rajshahi]] is the first institute in South Asia to offer a bachelor's degree in law, originally offering the B. Jur. (Bachelor of Jurisprudence) beginning in 1970.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.daffodilvarsity.edu.bd/index.php?topic=26376.0 |title=Rajshahi University Law Department: Pioneer of legal studies in Bangladesh |publisher=Forum.daffodilvarsity.edu.bd |date= |accessdate=2022-02-17}}</ref> Later on, the program was replaced with an LL. B (Hons.) program.  
In Bangladesh, obtaining an LLB degree is a prerequisite for practising as an advocate in a court of law. Both LLB and LLB (Hons.) degrees are offered at public and private universities. Only seven public universities offer LLB (Hons.) degree. Some private universities also offer four-year LLB (Hons.) degrees and one-year LLM courses. The [[National University of Bangladesh]] also offers a two-year LLB degree to graduates of subjects other than law. The [[University of Rajshahi]] is the first institute in South Asia to offer a bachelor's degree in law, originally offering the B. Jur. (Bachelor of Jurisprudence) beginning in 1970.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.daffodilvarsity.edu.bd/index.php?topic=26376.0 |title=Rajshahi University Law Department: Pioneer of legal studies in Bangladesh |publisher=Forum.daffodilvarsity.edu.bd |date= |access-date=2022-02-17}}</ref> Later on, the program was replaced with an LL. B (Hons.) program.  


===Canada===
===Canada===
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==== Common law ====
==== Common law ====
The programme of study for common law has traditionally been an undergraduate LL.B. degree, which has now been re-designated as a J.D. at nearly all Canadian common law schools. Entrants to the J.D. programme generally hold an undergraduate degree before registration in the law programme and a significant number hold a graduate-level degree as well. However, admission may be granted to applicants with two years of undergraduate studies towards a degree. Unlike the [[United States]], the J.D. is considered a bachelor's degree-level qualification, albeit a "second-entry" one. The common law programme is three years in length. Upon graduation, one holds a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree. To practise law, the graduate must obtain a licence from the Law Society of the province where they wish to practise law, which requires a year of [[articling]].
The programme of study for common law has traditionally been an undergraduate LLB degree, which has now been re-designated as a JD at nearly all Canadian common law schools. Entrants to the JD programme generally hold an undergraduate degree before registration in the law programme and a significant number hold a graduate-level degree as well. However, admission may be granted to applicants with two years of undergraduate studies towards a degree. Unlike the [[United States]], the JD is considered a bachelor's degree-level qualification, albeit a "second-entry" one. The common law programme is three years in length. Upon graduation, one holds a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree. To practise law, the graduate must obtain a licence from the Law Society of the province where they wish to practise law, which requires a year of [[articling]].


==== Civil law ====
==== Civil law ====
The civil law programme in Canada is three years in length. The programme of study for the [[Bachelor of Civil Law|first degree in Quebec civil law]] (called LL.B., B.C.L. or LL.L.) is a first-entry degree programme. Like other first-entry university programmes in Quebec, it requires a [[College education in Quebec|college]] diploma for entry. Law schools that offer civil law B.C.L., LL.B., or LL.L. degrees include [[McGill University]], [[Université de Montréal]], [[Université du Québec à Montréal]], [[Université de Sherbrooke]], [[Université Laval]] and the [[University of Ottawa]].
The civil law programme in Canada is three years in length. The programme of study for the [[Bachelor of Civil Law|first degree in Quebec civil law]] (called LLB, BCL, or LLL) is a first-entry degree programme. Like other first-entry university programmes in Quebec, it requires a [[College education in Quebec|college]] diploma for entry. Law schools that offer civil law BCL, LLB, or LLL degrees include [[McGill University]], [[Université de Montréal]], [[Université du Québec à Montréal]], [[Université de Sherbrooke]], [[Université Laval]] and the [[University of Ottawa]].


==== Bijuridical ====
==== Bijuridical ====
Because of Canada's dual system of laws, some law schools offer joint or dual degrees in common law and civil law: McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke and the University of Ottawa. The law degree offered by McGill University is a mandatory joint common law LL.B. and Quebec civil law B.C.L. degree. The programme is four years in length. Admission to that programme is a first-entry programme in the case of Quebec students while it is a second-entry programme in the case of students from other provinces (since two years of university studies is required). The University of Ottawa offers a civil law degree (LL.L.) on its own.
Because of Canada's dual system of laws, some law schools offer joint or dual degrees in common law and civil law: McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke and the University of Ottawa. The law degree offered by McGill University is a mandatory joint common law LLB and Quebec civil law BCL degree. The programme is four years in length. Admission to that programme is a first-entry programme in the case of Quebec students while it is a second-entry programme in the case of students from other provinces (since two years of university studies is required). The University of Ottawa offers a civil law degree (LLL) on its own.


A number of Canadian law schools allow holders of baccalaureate degrees in Quebec civil law to earn the LL.B. in common law in two or three semesters. Similarly, the [[University of Ottawa]] offers, offers a one-year LL.L. programme in Quebec civil law for holders of an LL.B. or J.D. degree in common law from a Canadian law school.
A number of Canadian law schools allow holders of baccalaureate degrees in Quebec civil law to earn the LLB in common law in two or three semesters. Similarly, the [[University of Ottawa]] offers a one-year LLL programme in Quebec civil law for holders of an LLB or JD degree in common law from a Canadian law school.


Additionally, some Canadian universities with ''common law'' law schools have an arrangement with a Canadian university with a ''Quebec civil law'' law school enabling students to obtain the home school's law degree in three years and the exchange school's law degree in the fourth year.
Additionally, some Canadian universities with ''common law'' law schools have an arrangement with a Canadian university with a ''Quebec civil law'' law school enabling students to obtain the home school's law degree in three years and the exchange school's law degree in the fourth year.
===Hong Kong===
In Hong Kong, three universities, including [[The University of Hong Kong]], [[Chinese University of Hong Kong]], and [[City University of Hong Kong]], provide legal studies with both LL.B. degree or J.D. degree. The LL.B. is 4 years in length, while J.D. is 2 years. Students who have an LL.B. or J.D degree, whether conferred by local universities or the accredited universities overseas, are eligible to apply for admission to [[PCLL]], the legal qualification programme in Hong Kong.


===India===
===India===
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In [[India]], legal education is traditionally offered as a three-year graduate degree conferring the title of Bachelor of Laws, requiring prospective students to have a bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognised institution.
In [[India]], legal education is traditionally offered as a three-year graduate degree conferring the title of Bachelor of Laws, requiring prospective students to have a bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognised institution.


However, specialised universities of law known as [[National Law Universities]] solely devoted to legal education offer an undergraduate five-year law course for students that have completed Class XII from a recognised board of education in India. The five-year law course leads to an integrated honours degree combining the LL.B. degree with another bachelor's degree, such as a [[Bachelor of Arts]], [[Bachelor of Science]], [[Bachelor of Business Administration]], [[Bachelor of Commerce]] and [[Bachelor of Social Work]]. In these programs, students are taught subjects associated with the additional non-law bachelor's degree during the first two years, in addition to standard legal subjects such as torts, contracts and constitutional law, such as [[social sciences]] for the Bachelor of Arts and a combination of physical, life and applied sciences for the Bachelor of Science. In the latter three years of all these programmes, legal subjects dominate the curriculum.
However, specialised universities of law known as [[National Law Universities]] solely devoted to legal education offer an undergraduate five-year law course for students that have completed Class XII from a recognised board of education in India. The five-year law course leads to an integrated honours degree combining the LLB degree with another bachelor's degree, such as a [[Bachelor of Arts]], [[Bachelor of Science]], [[Bachelor of Business Administration]], [[Bachelor of Commerce]] and [[Bachelor of Social Work]]. In these programs, students are taught subjects associated with the additional non-law bachelor's degree during the first two years, in addition to standard legal subjects such as torts, contracts and constitutional law, such as [[social sciences]] for the Bachelor of Arts and a combination of physical, life and applied sciences for the Bachelor of Science. In the latter three years of all these programmes, legal subjects dominate the curriculum.


The first national law school was the [[National Law School of India University]]. This was followed by others, including the [[Nalsar University of Law]] and [[West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences]]. Today, many Indian universities offer five-year integrated BA LL.B. programmes similar to that of the national law schools of India, while others continue to offer a traditional three-year programme. Both integrated and traditional types of three-year law degrees are recognised by the [[Bar Council of India]] for to qualify for enrolment to the Bar. One needs to have a full-time law degree to practice as a lawyer in India. Distance or online education options are not available to become a practising lawyer in India.
The first national law school was the [[National Law School of India University]]. This was followed by others, including the [[Nalsar University of Law]] and [[West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences]]. Today, many Indian universities offer five-year integrated BA LLB programmes similar to that of the national law schools of India, while others continue to offer a traditional three-year programme. Both integrated and traditional types of three-year law degrees are recognised by the [[Bar Council of India]] for to qualify for enrolment to the Bar. One needs to have a full-time law degree to practice as a lawyer in India. Distance or online education options are not available to become a practising lawyer in India.


===Malaysia===
===Malaysia===
{{Main|Legal_education#Malaysia|l1=Legal Education in Malaysia}}
{{Main|Legal education in Malaysia}}


[[Malaysia]] inherited a common law system from the British colonial period. However, unlike the [[United Kingdom]] and some other [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries, Malaysia adopted the fused legal profession with legal practitioners acting both as [[solicitors]] and in a way [[barrister|"barristers"]]. Hence all are lawyers eligible and can be admitted to the High Court as a legal professional is entitled to be bestowed with the title "Advocate & Solicitor". This applies to both lawyers practising in the [[Peninsular Malaysia]] (Malaya) and the States of [[Sabah]] & [[Sarawak]].
[[Malaysia]] inherited a common law system from the British colonial period. However, unlike the [[United Kingdom]] and some other [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries, Malaysia adopted the fused legal profession with legal practitioners acting both as [[solicitors]] and in a way [[barrister|"barristers"]]. Hence all are lawyers eligible and can be admitted to the High Court as a legal professional is entitled to be bestowed with the title "Advocate & Solicitor". This applies to both lawyers practising in the [[Peninsular Malaysia]] (Malaya) and the States of [[Sabah]] & [[Sarawak]].


Under the Legal Profession Act 1976, a person is deemed to be a qualified person to be admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor if they completed and passed the course of Bar Vocational Course in UK & Wales from any Inns of Court, passed the Certificate in Legal Practice or completed a 4-year LL.B. (Honours) course from an accredited Malaysian university.
Under the Legal Profession Act 1976, a person is deemed to be a qualified person to be admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor if they completed and passed the course of Bar Vocational Course in UK & Wales from any Inns of Court, passed the Certificate in Legal Practice or completed a 4-year LLB (Honours) course from an accredited Malaysian university.


===New Zealand===
===New Zealand===
An LL.B. is required to practise law in New Zealand. An LL.B. typically takes four years to complete, although it is often completed concurrently with another degree, such as a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), with the combined completion time usually being five years. Most New Zealand universities allow graduates of other degrees to complete an LL.B. in three years. Six New Zealand universities offer the LL.B. degree.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-community/thinking-of-a-career-in-law|title=Thinking of a career in law?|work=lawsociety.org.nz}}</ref>
An LLB is required to practise law in New Zealand. An LLB typically takes four years to complete, although it is often completed concurrently with another degree, such as a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or Bachelor of Arts (BA), with the combined completion time usually being five years. Most New Zealand universities allow graduates of other degrees to complete an LLB in three years. Six New Zealand universities offer the LLB degree.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-community/thinking-of-a-career-in-law|title=Thinking of a career in law?|work=lawsociety.org.nz|access-date=1 July 2015|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811221954/https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-community/thinking-of-a-career-in-law|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Pakistan===
===Pakistan===
[[Pakistan]] is a common law country and to become a lawyer in Pakistan, one needs an LL.B. from a Pakistani or a foreign university from common law country recognised by the [[Pakistan Bar Council]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pakistanbarcouncil.org/recognized-universities/|title=List of Recognized Universities|website=pakistanbarcouncil.org|language=en-US|access-date=2018-06-09}}</ref> Lawyers in Pakistan are called ''advocates''. An advocate has to be member of one of the provincial Bar Councils, i.e., [[Punjab Bar Council]], [[Sindh Bar Council]], [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council]], [[Balochistan Bar Council]] or the Islamabad Bar Council.
[[Pakistan]] is a common law country and to become a lawyer in Pakistan, one needs an LLB from a Pakistani or a foreign university from common law country recognised by the [[Pakistan Bar Council]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pakistanbarcouncil.org/recognized-universities/|title=List of Recognized Universities|website=pakistanbarcouncil.org|language=en-US|access-date=2018-06-09}}</ref> Lawyers in Pakistan are called ''advocates''. An advocate has to be member of one of the provincial Bar Councils, i.e., [[Punjab Bar Council]], [[Sindh Bar Council]], [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council]], [[Balochistan Bar Council]] or the Islamabad Bar Council.


The Bachelor of Laws obtained from [[List of universities in Pakistan|universities in Pakistan]] consists of a 5-year [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]]-LL.B. qualification. This rule was laid down by the [[Pakistan Bar Council]] in 2016 requiring 5 years of education to obtain a Bachelor of Laws qualification.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1033561/llb-degree-to-require-five-years-of-education-lahore-city/|title=LLB degree to require five years of education|date=25 January 2016|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=2018-07-24|language=en-US}}</ref> This change in the legal education rules led to the abolishing of 3 year LL.B. programs being offered by universities in Pakistan. This rule however does not affect the recognition of LL.B. degrees of less than 5 years obtained from foreign universities recognised by the Pakistan Bar Council for the purposes of enrolling as an advocate in Pakistan.
The Bachelor of Laws obtained from [[List of universities in Pakistan|universities in Pakistan]] consists of a 5-year [[Bachelor of Arts|BA]]-LLB qualification. This rule was laid down by the [[Pakistan Bar Council]] in 2016 requiring 5 years of education to obtain a Bachelor of Laws qualification.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1033561/llb-degree-to-require-five-years-of-education-lahore-city/|title=LLB degree to require five years of education|date=25 January 2016|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=2018-07-24|language=en-US}}</ref> This change in the legal education rules led to the abolishing of 3 year LLB programs being offered by universities in Pakistan. This rule however does not affect the recognition of LLB degrees of less than 5 years obtained from foreign universities recognised by the Pakistan Bar Council for the purposes of enrolling as an advocate in Pakistan.


===Singapore===
===Singapore===
In Singapore, the LL.B. is an undergraduate degree that is conferred by the [[National University of Singapore]] (NUS), the [[Singapore Management University]] (SMU) or the [[Singapore University of Social Sciences]]. Graduate J.D. courses are also available at all three law schools .<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.nus.edu.sg/nus-law-launches-juris-doctor-programme/  |title=NUS Law launches Juris Doctor programme }}</ref> To be called to the Singapore Bar, graduates are minimally required to possess an LL.B or J.D. from a recognised university. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlaw.gov.sg/practising-as-a-lawyer/admission/req/qp/nus.html |title=I graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) or one of its predecessors – Ministry of Law |work=mlaw.gov.sg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115092850/http://www.mlaw.gov.sg/practising-as-a-lawyer/admission/req/qp/nus.html |archive-date=15 November 2013 }}</ref>
In Singapore, the LLB is an undergraduate degree conferred by three universities: the [[National University of Singapore]] (NUS), the [[Singapore Management University]] (SMU), and the [[Singapore University of Social Sciences]] (SUSS). Graduate JD courses are also available at all three law schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.nus.edu.sg/nus-law-launches-juris-doctor-programme/  |title=NUS Law launches Juris Doctor programme }}</ref> To be called to the Singapore Bar, graduates are minimally required to possess an LLB or JD from a recognised university.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlaw.gov.sg/practising-as-a-lawyer/admission/req/qp/nus.html |title=I graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) or one of its predecessors – Ministry of Law |work=mlaw.gov.sg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115092850/http://www.mlaw.gov.sg/practising-as-a-lawyer/admission/req/qp/nus.html |archive-date=15 November 2013 }}</ref>


===South Africa===
===South Africa===
{{See also|Legal education in South Africa|List of law schools in South Africa}}
{{See also|Legal education in South Africa|List of law schools in South Africa}}
[[File:University of Pretoria Faculty of Law.jpg|thumb|[[University of Pretoria Faculty of Law]]]]
[[File:University of Pretoria Faculty of Law.jpg|thumb|[[University of Pretoria Faculty of Law]]]]
In [[South Africa]] the LL.B. is offered both at the [[undergraduate]] and [[postgraduate]] levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.wits.ac.za/Academic/CLM/Law/DegreesAndCourses/LLB.htm |title=University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, LLB |access-date=2011-12-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726092702/http://web.wits.ac.za/Academic/CLM/Law/DegreesAndCourses/LLB.htm |archive-date=26 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://brochure.unisa.ac.za/brochure/showprev.aspx?d=l_1_3&f=p_03492 |title=Unisa Cart - Info |access-date=2012-11-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309083338/http://brochure.unisa.ac.za/brochure/showprev.aspx?d=l_1_3&f=p_03492 |archive-date=9 March 2009 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.law.uct.ac.za/generic.php?m=/general/practice.php] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424052842/http://www.law.uct.ac.za/generic.php?m=%2Fgeneral%2Fpractice.php|date=24 April 2010}}</ref> As of 1996 it is the universal and only legal qualification for legal practice, superseding the existing B.Juris. and B.Proc. degrees.<ref name="unisa.ac.za">{{cite web|url=http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=7007 |access-date=2016-02-08 }}</ref> The undergraduate programme, offered since 1998, requires four years of study. At the postgraduate level, the programme generally requires three years. Several [[List of universities in South Africa|South African universities]] offer [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] and [[BCom|B.Com.]] degrees with a [[academic major|major]] in "Law"; graduates may then undertake a two-year postgraduate-programme. Some universities also offer a one-year programme for holders of the B.Proc. degree.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://law.ufh.ac.za/pages/pospective.html |title=The Tudors |work=ufh.ac.za |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127143640/http://law.ufh.ac.za/pages/pospective.html |archive-date=27 November 2013 }}</ref>
In [[South Africa]] the LLB is offered both at the [[undergraduate]] and [[postgraduate]] levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.wits.ac.za/Academic/CLM/Law/DegreesAndCourses/LLB.htm |title=University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, LLB |access-date=2011-12-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726092702/http://web.wits.ac.za/Academic/CLM/Law/DegreesAndCourses/LLB.htm |archive-date=26 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://brochure.unisa.ac.za/brochure/showprev.aspx?d=l_1_3&f=p_03492 |title=Unisa Cart Info |access-date=2012-11-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309083338/http://brochure.unisa.ac.za/brochure/showprev.aspx?d=l_1_3&f=p_03492 |archive-date=9 March 2009 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.law.uct.ac.za/generic.php?m=/general/practice.php] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424052842/http://www.law.uct.ac.za/generic.php?m=%2Fgeneral%2Fpractice.php|date=24 April 2010}}</ref> As of 1996 it is the universal and only legal qualification for legal practice, superseding the existing B.Juris. and B.Proc. degrees.<ref name="unisa.ac.za">{{cite web|url=http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=7007 |access-date=2016-02-08 |title=This website was recently revamped }}</ref> The undergraduate programme, offered since 1998, requires four years of study. At the postgraduate level, the programme generally requires three years. Several [[List of universities in South Africa|South African universities]] offer [[Bachelor of Arts]] and [[Bachelor of Commerce]] degrees with a [[academic major|major]] in "Law"; graduates may then undertake a two-year postgraduate-programme. Some universities also offer a one-year programme for holders of the B.Proc. degree.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://law.ufh.ac.za/pages/pospective.html |title=The Tudors |work=ufh.ac.za |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127143640/http://law.ufh.ac.za/pages/pospective.html |archive-date=27 November 2013 }}</ref>


The [[curriculum]] is typically structured around preliminary, core and advanced courses,<ref name="law.uct.ac.za">{{cite web|url=http://www.law.uct.ac.za/prospectivestud/progs/basic_legal/ |title=Faculty of Law / Prospective students / Programmes offered |access-date=2011-12-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121085754/http://www.law.uct.ac.za/prospectivestud/progs/basic_legal/ |archive-date=21 November 2011 }}</ref> and most universities also offer elective coursework. The preliminary courses acquaint the students with both the background and the foundations of the [[Law of South Africa|South African legal system]], and with legal thinking and analysis in general. The core subjects are those regularly required for legal practice.<ref name="unisa.ac.za" /> Depending on university, the curriculum will comprise legal subjects exclusively,<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/index.asp?link=http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/Navigation/l_CLAW_99.html|title=Undergraduate and honours qualifications|work=unisa.ac.za}}</ref> or may include [[humanities]] subjects so as to prepare graduates with a "broad-based" legal education.<ref name="law.uct.ac.za" /> Some undergraduate programmes do not offer any optional coursework. Credits in [[English language|English]] and [[Afrikaans language|Afrikaans]] are also often included.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> Along with [[Latin]], these were, but are no longer, "subjects compelled by statute",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.labour.gov.za/downloads/documents/research-documents/Law_DoL_Report.pdf |title=Microsoft Word – Law_DoL_Report.doc |website=Labour.gov.za |access-date=2017-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728233206/http://www.labour.gov.za/downloads/documents/research-documents/Law_DoL_Report.pdf |archive-date=28 July 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and were typically entrance requirements for the LL.B., having been studied as undergraduate modules. Similarly, [[Roman Law]] was previously a preliminary course, whereas, in both the post- and undergraduate degree, it is now offered as an elective.
The [[curriculum]] is typically structured around preliminary, core and advanced courses,<ref name="law.uct.ac.za">{{cite web|url=http://www.law.uct.ac.za/prospectivestud/progs/basic_legal/ |title=Faculty of Law / Prospective students / Programmes offered |access-date=2011-12-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121085754/http://www.law.uct.ac.za/prospectivestud/progs/basic_legal/ |archive-date=21 November 2011 }}</ref> and most universities also offer elective coursework. The preliminary courses acquaint the students with both the background and the foundations of the [[Law of South Africa|South African legal system]], and with legal thinking and analysis in general. The core subjects are those regularly required for legal practice.<ref name="unisa.ac.za" />  
The advanced courses (usually) comprise further study in these core subjects,<ref name = "SA electives">See for example these degree  outlines: [https://law.uct.ac.za/courses/law-courses UCT], [https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Register-to-study-through-Unisa/Undergraduate-&-honours-qualifications/Find-your-qualification-&-choose-your-modules/All-qualifications/Bachelor-of-Laws-(98680-%E2%80%93-NEW) UNISA], [https://www.wits.ac.za/course-finder/undergraduate/clm/llb-law/ Wits].</ref> deepening and / or broadening the student's knowledge as appropriate. The electives – often comprising these advanced courses, amongst others – allow students to specialise in a particular area of law, to an extent, by choosing from a range of optional courses. Some universities also require that students complete an experience based course ("Practical Legal Studies" / "[[Law clinic]]"); a credit comprising independent research exclusively is often offered as an elective, and at some universities is a degree requirement.<ref name = "SA electives"/>


The structure of the undergraduate programme is under review. The issues noted are: graduates of these programmes are seen to be less prepared for the profession as compared to those pursuing the graduate LLB; only 20% of entrants complete the programme within four years; only about 50% of graduates here enter the legal profession at all.<ref>See for example: [http://finweek.com/2012/10/15/the-declining-south-african-llb/ ''The declining South African LLB''], finweek.com; [http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20130613155812925 Low-skilled lawyers prompt calls for law degree reform], University World News.</ref> Further, there are those who question the academic standard of the new degree.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Scrap-4-year-LLB-degree-Ngoepe-20140419 ''Scrap 4 year LLB degree – Ngoepe''], news24.com.</ref> Some universities have now discontinued the programme;<ref>[[University of the Witwatersrand]]: [http://www.wits.ac.za/newsroom/newsitems/201404/23367/news_item_23367.html ''Changes to undergraduate LLB''.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218193448/http://www.wits.ac.za/newsroom/newsitems/201404/23367/news_item_23367.html |date=18 December 2014 }}, wits.ac.za</ref> in other cases undergraduate students are required to initially register as Arts, Commerce or Science students – with first year law subjects – and, in the second year of study, only those meeting specified criteria may choose to pursue the four-year LLB.<ref>[[Rhodes University]]: [http://www.ru.ac.za/orientationgateway/departmentsandfaculties/courseandcurriculum/law/ Law Degree Structure: BACHELOR OF LAWS (LLB)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029163204/http://www.ru.ac.za/orientationgateway/departmentsandfaculties/courseandcurriculum/law/ |date=29 October 2014 }}, ru.ac.za.</ref>
Depending on university, the curriculum will comprise legal subjects exclusively,<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/index.asp?link=http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/Navigation/l_CLAW_99.html|title=Undergraduate and honours qualifications|work=unisa.ac.za}}</ref> or may include [[humanities]] subjects so as to prepare graduates with a "broad-based" legal education.<ref name="law.uct.ac.za" /> Some undergraduate programmes do not offer any optional coursework. Credits in [[English language|English]] and [[Afrikaans language|Afrikaans]] are also often included.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> Along with [[Latin]], these were, but are no longer, "subjects compelled by statute",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.labour.gov.za/downloads/documents/research-documents/Law_DoL_Report.pdf |title=Microsoft Word – Law_DoL_Report.doc |website=Labour.gov.za |access-date=2017-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728233206/http://www.labour.gov.za/downloads/documents/research-documents/Law_DoL_Report.pdf |archive-date=28 July 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and were typically entrance requirements for the LLB, having been studied as undergraduate modules. Similarly, [[Roman Law]] was previously a preliminary course, whereas, in both the post- and undergraduate degree, it is now offered as an elective.
 
The structure of the undergraduate programme is under review. The issues noted are: graduates of these programmes are seen to be less prepared for the profession as compared to those pursuing the graduate LLB; only 20% of entrants complete the programme within four years; only about 50% of graduates here enter the legal profession at all.<ref>See for example: [http://finweek.com/2012/10/15/the-declining-south-african-llb/ ''The declining South African LLB''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029125638/http://finweek.com/2012/10/15/the-declining-south-african-llb/ |date=29 October 2014 }}, finweek.com; [https://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20130613155812925 Low-skilled lawyers prompt calls for law degree reform], University World News.</ref> Further, there are those who question the academic standard of the new degree.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Scrap-4-year-LLB-degree-Ngoepe-20140419 ''Scrap 4 year LLB degree – Ngoepe''], news24.com.</ref> Some universities have now discontinued the programme;<ref>[[University of the Witwatersrand]]: [http://www.wits.ac.za/newsroom/newsitems/201404/23367/news_item_23367.html ''Changes to undergraduate LLB''.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218193448/http://www.wits.ac.za/newsroom/newsitems/201404/23367/news_item_23367.html |date=18 December 2014 }}, wits.ac.za</ref> in other cases undergraduate students are required to initially register as Arts, Commerce or Science students – with first year law subjects – and, in the second year of study, only those meeting specified criteria may choose to pursue the four-year LLB.<ref>[[Rhodes University]]: [http://www.ru.ac.za/orientationgateway/departmentsandfaculties/courseandcurriculum/law/ Law Degree Structure: BACHELOR OF LAWS (LLB)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029163204/http://www.ru.ac.za/orientationgateway/departmentsandfaculties/courseandcurriculum/law/ |date=29 October 2014 }}, ru.ac.za.</ref>


==Alternative titles and formats==
==Alternative titles and formats==


===Irish B.C.L. and LL.B.===
===Irish BCL and LLB===
The four universities under the [[National University of Ireland]] umbrella, award the degree of [[Bachelor of Civil Law]] (B.C.L.). Four Irish universities and two Northern Irish universities award an LL.B. NUIG offer the LL.B. as a 1-year postgraduate course for holders of the B.Corp. (Bachelor of Corporate Law) or B.A. Law degrees.
The four universities under the [[National University of Ireland]] umbrella, award the degree of [[Bachelor of Civil Law]] (BCL). Four Irish universities and two Northern Irish universities award an LLB NUIG offer the LLB as a 1-year postgraduate course for holders of the Bachelor of Corporate Law or Bachelor of Arts in law degrees.


Some English and Welsh universities award an LL.B. in Irish law.  
Some English and Welsh universities award an LLB in Irish law.  


In the nineteenth century, the [[University of London]] conferred degrees of LL.B. on clerical and lay students at [[St. Patrick's College, Carlow]] from 1840 onwards.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2uksAAAAYAAJ&q=%22University+of+London%22+Carlow |title=Minutes of the Senate ...: With Indexes. 1837–1850 – University of London |date=16 September 2008 |access-date=2017-05-24}}</ref>
In the nineteenth century, the [[University of London]] conferred degrees of LLB on clerical and lay students at [[St. Patrick's College, Carlow]] from 1840 onwards.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2uksAAAAYAAJ&q=%22University+of+London%22+Carlow |title=Minutes of the Senate ...: With Indexes. 1837–1850 – University of London |date=16 September 2008 |access-date=2017-05-24}}</ref>


The [[King's Inns]] Barrister-at-Law degree B.L. is a postgraduate degree and is required to practice as a barrister in Ireland.
The [[King's Inns]] Barrister-at-Law degree B.L. is a postgraduate degree and is required to practice as a barrister in Ireland.


===Zimbabwe B.L. and LL.B.===
===Zimbabwe B.L. and LLB===
At the [[University of Zimbabwe]], the first degree in common law was the Bachelor of Laws (B.L.), which was equivalent to the LL.B. in other common law jurisdictions. It was followed by a one-year programme at the university (analogous to post-LL.B. vocational programmes in other common law jurisdictions) at the end of which a second degree, the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), was awarded. The curriculum has since been changed and now only one four-year honours LL.B degree is awarded.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uz.ac.zw/law/history.htm |title=facultyoflaw: Brief History |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424055127/http://www.uz.ac.zw/law/history.htm |archive-date=24 April 2010}}</ref>
At the [[University of Zimbabwe]], the first degree in common law was the Bachelor of Laws (BL), which was equivalent to the LLB in other common law jurisdictions. It was followed by a one-year programme at the university (analogous to post-LLB vocational programmes in other common law jurisdictions) at the end of which a second degree, the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), was awarded. The curriculum has since been changed and now only one four-year honours LLB degree is awarded.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uz.ac.zw/law/history.htm |title=facultyoflaw: Brief History |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424055127/http://www.uz.ac.zw/law/history.htm |archive-date=24 April 2010}}</ref>


===Variations on the LL.B.===
===Variations on the LLB===
Some universities in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[New Zealand]] offer variations, which generally take four years to complete and include a wider range of topics as well as some degree of specialisation or the study of multiple jurisdictions, such as the LL.B. Law with French Law and Language offered by the [[University of East Anglia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Undergraduate LLB Law Course |url=https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/llb-law |access-date=3 August 2023 |website=University of East Anglia}}</ref>
Some universities in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[New Zealand]] offer variations, which generally take four years to complete and include a wider range of topics as well as some degree of specialisation or the study of multiple jurisdictions, such as the LLB Law with French Law and Language offered by the [[University of East Anglia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Undergraduate LLB Law Course |url=https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/llb-law |access-date=3 August 2023 |website=University of East Anglia}}</ref>


Various universities in the United Kingdom and Australia will allow a degree that combines study with a non-law discipline. For example, some universities in the United Kingdom offer a combined study of law and history leading to a B.A. degree that is accepted by the Law Society and Inns of Court as equivalent to an LL.B. {{Citation needed|date=April 2010}}
Various universities in the United Kingdom and Australia will allow a degree that combines study with a non-law discipline. For example, some universities in the United Kingdom offer a combined study of law and history leading to a BA degree that is accepted by the Law Society and Inns of Court as equivalent to an LLB. {{Citation needed|date=April 2010}}


The University of London External Programme in Laws (LL.B.) has been awarding its law degree via [[distance learning]] since 1858.
The University of London External Programme in Laws (LLB) has been awarding its law degree via [[distance learning]] since 1858.


At the universities of [[University of Oxford|Oxford]] and [[University of Cambridge|Cambridge]], the principal law degree remains the [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]], in either Jurisprudence or Law, which is equivalent to an LL.B. in other universities. Traditionally, the LL.B. at Cambridge, as well as the Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford, were postgraduate degrees for specialising in law. The [[University of Cambridge]], recently, replaced their LL.B. title with that of the [[LL.M.|LL.M]], which Oxford retains the B.C.L. as a master's level course, equivalent to the LL.M.
At the universities of [[University of Oxford|Oxford]] and [[University of Cambridge|Cambridge]], the principal law degree remains the Bachelor of Arts, in either Jurisprudence or Law, which is equivalent to an LLB in other universities. Traditionally, the LLB at Cambridge, as well as the Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford, were postgraduate degrees for specialising in law. The [[University of Cambridge]], recently, replaced their LLB title with that of the [[LL.M.|LLM]], which Oxford retains the BCL as a master's level course, equivalent to the LLM.


Some universities in the UK including [[Bournemouth University]] have a four-year LL.B. course, which consists of a 40-week industrial work placement.<ref name="bournemouthllb">{{cite web|url=http://onlineservices.bournemouth.ac.uk/courses/Course.aspx?course=73&name=Law |title=Law LLB(Hons) |publisher=Bournemouth University |access-date=22 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823180247/http://onlineservices.bournemouth.ac.uk/courses/Course.aspx?course=73&name=Law |archive-date=23 August 2011 }}</ref> [[Staffordshire University]] also offers a two-year full-time LL.B. course.<ref name="staffsllb">{{cite web |url=http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/courses/law-twoyear-degree-tcm4213478.jsp |title=Law (Two-year degree) |publisher=Staffordshire University |access-date=22 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115145450/http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/courses/law-twoyear-degree-tcm4213478.jsp |archive-date=15 November 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Some universities in the UK including [[Bournemouth University]] have a four-year LLB course, which consists of a 40-week industrial work placement.<ref name="bournemouthllb">{{cite web|url=http://onlineservices.bournemouth.ac.uk/courses/Course.aspx?course=73&name=Law |title=Law LLB(Hons) |publisher=Bournemouth University |access-date=22 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823180247/http://onlineservices.bournemouth.ac.uk/courses/Course.aspx?course=73&name=Law |archive-date=23 August 2011 }}</ref> [[Staffordshire University]] also offers a two-year full-time LLB course.<ref name="staffsllb">{{cite web |url=http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/courses/law-twoyear-degree-tcm4213478.jsp |title=Law (Two-year degree) |publisher=Staffordshire University |access-date=22 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115145450/http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/courses/law-twoyear-degree-tcm4213478.jsp |archive-date=15 November 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


LL.B. programs in [[Sharia|syaria]] and common law have been introduced by some universities in Pakistan and Malaysia. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iium.edu.my/aikol/programmes-courses/undergraduate-programmes/bachelor-law-shariah-llbs|title=International Islamic University Malaysia|work=iium.edu.my}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usim.edu.my/usimweb/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88&Itemid=148 |title=En. Muhammad Haizuan Rozali, Pendaftar Usim |website=Usim.edu |access-date=2017-05-24}}</ref>
LLB programs in [[Sharia|syaria]] and common law have been introduced by some universities in Pakistan and Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iium.edu.my/aikol/programmes-courses/undergraduate-programmes/bachelor-law-shariah-llbs|title=International Islamic University Malaysia|work=iium.edu.my|date=11 June 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usim.edu.my/usimweb/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88&Itemid=148 |title=En. Muhammad Haizuan Rozali, Pendaftar Usim |website=Usim.edu |access-date=2017-05-24}}</ref>


==United States==
==United States==
The United States no longer offers the LL.B., though some universities have introduced bachelor's degrees in legal studies, featuring curricula that include courses in constitutional law, tort law, and criminal law. These degrees may provide an accelerated pathway into the J.D. program, allowing students to complete both degrees in six instead of seven years.<ref>{{cite web |date=4 May 2014 |title=University of Arizona to Offer Nation's First Bachelor of Arts in Law {{!}} College of Law |url=https://law.arizona.edu/news/2014/05/university-arizona-offer-nations-first-bachelor-arts-law |access-date=2019-02-04 |website=law.arizona.edu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=16 May 2019 |title=3+3 B.A. Law & Juris Doctor |url=https://sgpp.arizona.edu/accelerated-masters/juris-doctor |access-date=15 September 2021 |publisher=The University of Arizona College of Social & Behavioral Sciences School of Government & Public Policy}}</ref>
The United States no longer offers the LLB, though some universities have introduced bachelor's degrees in legal studies, featuring curricula that include courses in constitutional law, tort law, and criminal law. These degrees may provide an accelerated pathway into the JD program, allowing students to complete both degrees in six instead of seven years.<ref>{{cite web |date=4 May 2014 |title=University of Arizona to Offer Nation's First Bachelor of Arts in Law {{!}} College of Law |url=https://law.arizona.edu/news/2014/05/university-arizona-offer-nations-first-bachelor-arts-law |access-date=2019-02-04 |website=law.arizona.edu |archive-date=7 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020120/https://law.arizona.edu/news/2014/05/university-arizona-offer-nations-first-bachelor-arts-law |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=16 May 2019 |title=3+3 B.A. Law & Juris Doctor |url=https://sgpp.arizona.edu/accelerated-masters/juris-doctor |access-date=15 September 2021 |publisher=The University of Arizona College of Social & Behavioral Sciences School of Government & Public Policy}}</ref>
 
While the LL.B. was conferred until 1971 at [[Yale University]], since that time, all universities in the United States have awarded the professional doctorate [[Juris Doctor|J.D.]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pb.uillinois.edu/aaude/documents/graded_glossary.doc |title=Glossary of Terms for Graduate Education |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Association of American Universities Data Exchange |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304031242/http://www.pb.uillinois.edu/aaude/documents/graded_glossary.doc |archive-date=4 March 2009 }}. National Science Foundation (2006). "[https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf06312/nsf06312.pdf Time to Degree of U.S. Research Doctorate Recipients] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308130032/https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf06312/nsf06312.pdf |date=March 8, 2016 }}," ''InfoBrief, Science Resource Statistics'' NSF 06-312, 2006, p. 7. (under "Data notes" mentions that the J.D. is a professional doctorate); San Diego County Bar Association (1969). [http://spellmirelaw.com/ ''Law Firm Chicago''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308130032/http://spellmirelaw.com/ |date=8 March 2016 }}. Accessed 26 May 2008. (under "other references" discusses differences between academic and professional doctorate, and statement that the J.D. is a professional doctorate); University of Utah (2006). [http://www.gradschool.utah.edu/catalog/degree.php University of Utah – The Graduate School – Graduate Handbook] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626081148/http://www.gradschool.utah.edu/catalog/degree.php |date=26 June 2008 }}. Accessed 28 May 2008. (the J.D. degree is listed under doctorate degrees); {{cite web|url=http://www.blk-bonn.de/papers/hochschulsystem_usa.pdf |title=U.S. Higher Education / Evaluation of the Almanac Chronicle of Higher Education |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=German Federal Ministry of Education |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325051732/http://www.blk-bonn.de/papers/hochschulsystem_usa.pdf |archive-date=25 March 2009 }} (report by the German Federal Ministry of Education analysing the Chronicle of Higher Education from the U.S. and stating that the J.D. is a professional doctorate); Encyclopædia Britannica. (2002). ''Encyclopædia Britannica'', 3:962:1a. (the J.D. is listed among other doctorate degrees).</ref><ref name="WSJYale">{{cite web | publisher = Wall Street Journal | last = Lattman | first = Peter | title = Why Did Law Schools Switch from LLBs to JDs? | url = https://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/09/28/why-did-law-schools-switch-from-llbs-to-jds/ | date = 28 September 2007 | access-date = 17 September 2013}}</ref> which then became the generally standardised degree in most states as the compulsory prerequisite to sit for the bar exam prior to practice of law.<ref>Schoenfeld, Marcus, "J.D. or LL.B. as the Basic Law Degree," Cleveland-Marshall Law Review, Vol. 4, 1963, pp. 573–579, quoted in Joanna Lombard, [https://web.archive.org/web/20030806053515/http://www.arc.miami.edu/people/LLB%20to%20JD%20for%20school%20website.pdf LL.B. to J.D. and the Professional Degree in Architecture], Proceedings of the 85th ACSA Annual Meeting, Architecture: Material and Imagined and Technology Conference, 1997. pp. 585–591.</ref> Many law schools converted their basic law degree programmes from LL.B. to J.D. in the 1960s, and permitted prior LL.B. graduates to retroactively receive the new doctorate degrees by returning their LL.B. in exchange for a J.D. degree.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://law.marquette.edu/facultyblog/2012/01/11/why-the-law-degree-is-called-a-j-d-and-not-an-ll-b/ | title = Why the Law Degree Is Called a J.D. and Not an LL.B. | last = Hylton | first = J. Gordon | publisher = Marquette University Law School Faculty Blog | access-date = 17 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/lawyers_are_doctors_too/ | title = Lawyers are Doctors, Too | last = Maher | first = Kathleen | date = 24 November 2006 | access-date = 17 September 2013}} (Notes that by 1969 many law schools were phasing out the LL.B. in favor of the J.D.)</ref> Yale graduates who received LL.B. degrees prior to 1971 were similarly permitted to change their degree to a J.D., though many did not take the option, choosing to retain their LL.B. degrees.<ref name="WSJYale" />


Before the program was phased out, notable recipients of the LL.B. include former U.S. presidents [[Richard Nixon]] and [[Gerald Ford]]; former U.S. [[Supreme Court Justice]]s [[Earl Warren]], [[Anthony Kennedy]], [[William Rehnquist]], [[Ruth Bader Ginsburg]], Thurgood Marshall and [[Stephen Breyer]]; former FBI director [[J. Edgar Hoover]]; American [[judge]] and [[jurist]] [[Richard Allen Posner]]; as well as the first female commissioner of the [[Federal Communications Commission]], [[Frieda B. Hennock]].
While the LLB was conferred until 1971 at [[Yale University]], since that time, universities in the United States have instead awarded the professional doctorate [[Juris Doctor|JD]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pb.uillinois.edu/aaude/documents/graded_glossary.doc |title=Glossary of Terms for Graduate Education |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Association of American Universities Data Exchange |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304031242/http://www.pb.uillinois.edu/aaude/documents/graded_glossary.doc |archive-date=4 March 2009 }}. National Science Foundation (2006). "[https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf06312/nsf06312.pdf Time to Degree of U.S. Research Doctorate Recipients] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308130032/https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf06312/nsf06312.pdf |date=March 8, 2016 }}," ''InfoBrief, Science Resource Statistics'' NSF 06-312, 2006, p. 7. (under "Data notes" mentions that the J.D. is a professional doctorate); San Diego County Bar Association (1969). [http://spellmirelaw.com/ ''Law Firm Chicago''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308130032/http://spellmirelaw.com/ |date=8 March 2016 }}. Accessed 26 May 2008. (under "other references" discusses differences between academic and professional doctorate, and statement that the J.D. is a professional doctorate); University of Utah (2006). [http://www.gradschool.utah.edu/catalog/degree.php University of Utah – The Graduate School – Graduate Handbook] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626081148/http://www.gradschool.utah.edu/catalog/degree.php |date=26 June 2008 }}. Accessed 28 May 2008. (the J.D. degree is listed under doctorate degrees); {{cite web|url=http://www.blk-bonn.de/papers/hochschulsystem_usa.pdf |title=U.S. Higher Education / Evaluation of the Almanac Chronicle of Higher Education |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=German Federal Ministry of Education |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325051732/http://www.blk-bonn.de/papers/hochschulsystem_usa.pdf |archive-date=25 March 2009 }} (report by the German Federal Ministry of Education analysing the Chronicle of Higher Education from the U.S. and stating that the J.D. is a professional doctorate); Encyclopædia Britannica. (2002). ''Encyclopædia Britannica'', 3:962:1a. (the J.D. is listed among other doctorate degrees).</ref><ref name="WSJYale">{{cite web | publisher = Wall Street Journal | last = Lattman | first = Peter | title = Why Did Law Schools Switch from LLBs to JDs? | url = https://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/09/28/why-did-law-schools-switch-from-llbs-to-jds/ | date = 28 September 2007 | access-date = 17 September 2013}}</ref> which then became the generally standardised degree in most states as the compulsory prerequisite to sit for the bar exam prior to practice of law.<ref>Schoenfeld, Marcus, "J.D. or LL.B. as the Basic Law Degree," Cleveland-Marshall Law Review, Vol. 4, 1963, pp. 573–579, quoted in Joanna Lombard, [https://web.archive.org/web/20030806053515/http://www.arc.miami.edu/people/LLB%20to%20JD%20for%20school%20website.pdf LL.B. to J.D. and the Professional Degree in Architecture], Proceedings of the 85th ACSA Annual Meeting, Architecture: Material and Imagined and Technology Conference, 1997. pp. 585–591.</ref> Many law schools converted their basic law degree programmes from LLB to JD in the 1960s, and permitted prior LLB graduates to retroactively receive the new doctorate degrees by returning their LLB in exchange for a JD degree.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://law.marquette.edu/facultyblog/2012/01/11/why-the-law-degree-is-called-a-j-d-and-not-an-ll-b/ | title = Why the Law Degree Is Called a J.D. and Not an LL.B. | last = Hylton | first = J. Gordon | date = 30 December 2011 | publisher = Marquette University Law School Faculty Blog | access-date = 17 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/lawyers_are_doctors_too/ | title = Lawyers are Doctors, Too | last = Maher | first = Kathleen | date = 24 November 2006 | access-date = 17 September 2013}} (Notes that by 1969 many law schools were phasing out the LL.B. in favor of the J.D.)</ref> Yale graduates who received LLB degrees prior to 1971 were similarly permitted to change their degree to a JD, though many did not take the option, choosing to retain their LLB degrees.<ref name="WSJYale" />


===Eligibility of foreign graduates in the U.S.===
Before the degree was phased out, notable recipients of the LLB include former United States presidents [[Richard Nixon]], [[Gerald Ford]], and [[William Howard Taft]]; former United States [[Supreme Court Justice]]s [[Earl Warren]], [[Anthony Kennedy]], [[William Rehnquist]], [[Antonin Scalia]], [[Ruth Bader Ginsburg]], [[Thurgood Marshall]], [[Sandra Day O'Connor]] and [[Stephen Breyer]]; former FBI director [[J. Edgar Hoover]]; American [[judge]] and [[jurist]] [[Richard Allen Posner]]; as well as the first female commissioner of the [[Federal Communications Commission]], [[Frieda B. Hennock]].
For the most part, foreign law graduates seeking admission to the bar in the United States will find their law degree does not itself fulfill the core admission requirements of most states, thereby not allowing them to take the bar exam. The major exception to this is [[New York (state)|New York]], where those foreign graduates who have fulfilled the educational requirements to practice law in another common law country through study at an approved educational institution, similar in both duration and content to the equivalent teaching at an approved U.S. law school, are permitted to sit for the bar exam.<ref>[http://www.nybarexam.org/Foreign/ForeignLegalEducation.htm "Foreign Legal Education"]. The New York State Board of Law Examiners.</ref> Additionally, both New York and [[Massachusetts]] permit Canadian LL.B. holders to take the bar exam.<ref>[http://www.mass.gov/courts/docs/bbe/foreigneducated.pdf Board of Bar Examiners Rule VI Foreign Law School Graduates]. The Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners.</ref> The requirements of each of the states vary, and in some states sufficient years of practice in one's home country may allow for those otherwise excluded to sit for the bar exam.


Most states require completion of a law degree from a law school accredited by the [[American Bar Association]]. As a result, some American law schools offer one-year [[Master of Laws|LL.M.]] programmes for foreign attorneys, which qualify foreign lawyers for admission to some state bars.  
===Eligibility of foreign graduates in the US===
The requirements of each of the states vary, and in some states sufficient years of practice in one's home country may allow for those otherwise excluded to sit for the bar exam.


==European LL.B. programs==
Most states require completion of a law degree from a law school accredited by the [[American Bar Association]]. As a result, some American law schools offer one-year [[Master of Laws|LLM]] programmes for foreign attorneys, which qualify foreign lawyers for admission to some state bars.
[[European Union law]] permits [[European Union]] citizens with LL.B. degrees from one EU Member State, who practise law and have been qualified lawyers in their jurisdiction for three or more years, to practise also in every other member state. The actual procedure to receive the respective national [[licence]] is regulated by the member state and therefore differs from country to country, and temporary restrictions may in certain cases exist, but every EU member has to apply the relevant EU Directives to its own national law.


As a consequence of the [[Bologna Process]], recently many [[Fachhochschule|universities of applied sciences]] and a few traditional [[universities]] in [[Germany]] have introduced LL.B. programmes, replacing the {{Lang|de|Diplom-Wirtschaftsjurist}} degree. The LL.B. is a three or four-year full-time law degree. As opposed to courses of study leading to the [[Staatsexamen|State Examination]]—the master's-level professional law degree in Germany—most LL.B. degree programmes concentrate on [[private law]] and may feature a component of education in [[business administration]]. Graduates of LL.B. courses can continue LL.M. studies and in some cases sit for the first [[Staatsexamen|State Examination]] after one or more years of additional law studies in order to qualify for practising law in Germany.
==European LLB programs==
[[European Union law]] permits [[European Union]] citizens with LLB degrees from one EU member state, who practise law and have been qualified lawyers in their jurisdiction for three or more years, to practise also in every other member state. The actual procedure to receive the respective national [[licence]] is regulated by the member state and therefore differs from country to country, and temporary restrictions may in certain cases exist, but every EU member has to apply the relevant EU Directives to its own national law.


In Malta, the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree, offered by the [[University of Malta]], is an undergraduate degree that of itself is not sufficient for admission into any of the legal professions. Likewise, in Italy a five-year course in law (''Laurea magistrale in giurisprudenza a ciclo unico'') is offered by law schools{{Citation needed|date=September 2022|reason=Bring evidence of the claim. Law studies in Italy are generic and do not grant access to legal professions, France's and Germany's being the opposite.}}. The Italian Diploma in Law, equivalent to the LL.B., does not directly qualify one for a career in any legal profession, as graduates are required to undergo a traineeship for 18 months to sit for the Italian bar or take the exam as public notary. Alternatively, this requirement can be met by undertaking two further year of studies (''Diploma di specializzazione per le professioni legali'' - equivalent of a 2-year M.A.).<ref>{{Cite web |title=DECRETO LEGISLATIVO 5 aprile 2006, n. 160 - Normattiva |url=https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2006-04-05;160!vig= |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=www.normattiva.it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=LEGGE 30 luglio 2007, n. 111 - Normattiva |url=https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:legge:2007-07-30;111!vig= |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=www.normattiva.it}}</ref>
As a consequence of the [[Bologna Process]], recently many [[Fachhochschule|universities of applied sciences]] and a few traditional [[universities]] in [[Germany]] have introduced LLB programmes, replacing the {{Lang|de|Diplom-Wirtschaftsjurist}} degree. The LLB is a three or four-year full-time law degree. As opposed to courses of study leading to the [[Staatsexamen|State Examination]]—the master's-level professional law degree in Germany—most LLB degree programmes concentrate on [[private law]] and may feature a component of education in [[business administration]]. Graduates of LLB courses can continue LLM studies and in some cases sit for the first [[Staatsexamen|State Examination]] after one or more years of additional law studies in order to qualify for practising law in Germany.


In Spain, there is no comparable degree to the LL.B. Law studies in Spain last for four years in total, culminating in the "Grado en Derecho". Prior to that, the sole degree of "Licenciatura en Derecho" allowed graduates of law direct access to the legal profession without further training and masters. Currently, holders of a Spanish law degree must attend a specific LL.M. in Legal practice course (similar to the former British LPC) to gain admission to the Spanish bar.
In Malta, the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, offered by the [[University of Malta]], is an undergraduate degree that of itself is not sufficient for admission into any of the legal professions. Likewise, in Italy a five-year course in law (''Laurea magistrale in giurisprudenza a ciclo unico'') is offered by law schools{{Citation needed|date=September 2022|reason=Bring evidence of the claim. Law studies in Italy are generic and do not grant access to legal professions, France's and Germany's being the opposite.}}. The Italian Diploma in Law, equivalent to the LLB, does not directly qualify one for a career in any legal profession, as graduates are required to undergo a traineeship for 18 months before taking a government exam to sit for the Italian bar or take the exam as public notary. Alternatively, this requirement can be met by undertaking two further year of studies (''Diploma di specializzazione per le professioni legali'' – equivalent of a 2-year Master of Arts).<ref>{{Cite web |title=DECRETO LEGISLATIVO 5 aprile 2006, n. 160 – Normattiva |url=https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2006-04-05;160!vig= |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=www.normattiva.it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=LEGGE 30 luglio 2007, n. 111 – Normattiva |url=https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:legge:2007-07-30;111!vig= |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=www.normattiva.it}}</ref>


In Denmark, universities now offer three-year LL.B. programmes, although this is not sufficient to practice law. Students wishing to practice law should continue with a Masters in Law programme, leading to the [[Candidate (degree)|cand.jur]] degree. Alternatively, students may choose to use the LL.B. as a basis for other courses within the social sciences or humanities.
In Spain, there is no comparable degree to the LLB Law studies in Spain last for four years in total, culminating in the "Grado en Derecho". Prior to that, the sole degree of "Licenciatura en Derecho" allowed graduates of law direct access to the legal profession without further training and masters. Currently, holders of a Spanish law degree must attend a specific LLM in Legal practice course (similar to the former British LPC) to gain admission to the Spanish bar.


In Denmark, universities now offer three-year LLB programmes, although this is not sufficient to practice law. Students wishing to practice law should continue with a Masters in Law programme, leading to the [[Candidate (degree)|cand.jur.]] degree. Alternatively, students may choose to use the LLB as a basis for other courses within the social sciences or humanities.


==See also==
==See also==
Line 163: Line 153:
* [[Juris Doctor]]
* [[Juris Doctor]]
* [[Legal education]]
* [[Legal education]]
* ''[[Licence de droit]]''
* [[Lists of law schools]]
* [[Lists of law schools]]
* [[Master of Laws]]
* [[Master of Laws]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
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|url=https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/lawfaculty/228/
|url=https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/lawfaculty/228/
}}
}}
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}


{{Academic degrees}}
{{Academic degrees}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bachelor Of Laws}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bachelor Of Laws}}
[[Category:Bachelor's degrees|Laws, Bachelor of]]
[[Category:Bachelor's degrees|Laws, Bachelor of]]
[[Category:Law degrees]]
[[Category:Law degrees|Laws, Bachelor of]]

Latest revision as of 00:28, 17 March 2026

A Bachelor of Laws (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.; LLB) is an undergraduate law degree offered in most common law countries as the primary law degree and serves as the first professional qualification for legal practitioners. This degree requires the study of core legal subjects and jurisprudence to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its function. The LLB curriculum is designed to impart a thorough knowledge of legal principles, legal research skills, and a sound understanding of the roles and responsibilities of lawyers within society. This degree is often a prerequisite for taking bar exams or qualifying as a practising lawyer, depending on the jurisdiction. Additionally, the LLB program also serves as a foundation for further legal education, such as a Master of Laws (LLM) or other postgraduate studies in law.

Region awarded[edit | edit source]

Bachelor of Laws degrees are awarded by universities in regions including Europe, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, New Zealand, Nepal, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Botswana, Brazil, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and United Kingdom. In the United States, the Bachelor of Laws was the primary law degree until the 1960s, when it was phased out in favor of the Juris Doctor; Canada followed suit in the early 21st century.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

The first academic degrees were all law degrees in medieval universities, and the first law degrees were doctorates.[2][3][4] The foundations of the first universities were the glossators of the 11th century, which were also schools of law.[5] The first university, that of Bologna, was founded as a school of law by four famous legal scholars in the 12th century who were students of the glossator school in that city. The University of Bologna served as the model for other law schools of the medieval age.[6] While it was common for students of law to visit and study at schools in other countries, such was not the case with England because of the English rejection of Roman law (except for certain jurisdictions such as the Admiralty Court). Although the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge did teach canon law until the English Reformation, its importance was always superior to civil law in those institutions.[7]

"LLB" stands for Legum Baccalaureus in Latin. The "LL." of the abbreviation for the degree is from the genitive plural legum ("of laws"). Creating an abbreviation for a plural, especially from Latin, is often done by doubling the first letter (e.g., "pp." for "pages").

The bachelor's degree originated at the University of Paris, whose system was implemented with the Bachelor of Arts degree at Oxford and Cambridge.[8] The "arts" designation of the degree traditionally signifies that the student has undertaken a certain amount of study of the classics.[9] In continental Europe, the bachelor's degree was phased out in the 18th or early 19th century but it continued at Oxford and Cambridge.

The teaching of law at Oxford University was for philosophical or scholarly purposes and not meant to prepare one to practise law.[10] Professional training for practising common law in England was undertaken at the Inns of Court, but over time the training functions of the Inns lessened considerably and apprenticeships with individual practitioners arose as the prominent medium of preparation.[11] However, because of the lack of standardisation of study and of objective standards for appraisal of these apprenticeships, the role of universities became subsequently of importance for the education of lawyers in the English speaking world.[12]

In England in 1292, when Edward I requested that lawyers be trained, students merely sat in the courts and observed, but over time the students would hire professionals to lecture them in their residences, which led to the institution of the Inns of Court system.[13] The original method of education at the Inns of Court was a mix of moot court-like practice and lecture, as well as court proceedings observation.[14] By the seventeenth century, the Inns obtained a status as a kind of university akin to the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, though very specialised in purpose.[15] With the frequent absence of parties to suits during the Crusades, the importance of the lawyer role grew tremendously, and the demand for lawyers grew.[16]

Traditionally Oxford and Cambridge did not see common law as worthy of study, and included coursework in law only in the context of canon and civil law and for the purpose of the study of philosophy or history only. The apprenticeship programme for solicitors thus emerged, structured and governed by the same rules as the apprenticeship programmes for the trades.[17] The training of solicitors by apprenticeship was formally established by an act of parliament in 1729. William Blackstone became the first lecturer in English common law at the University of Oxford in 1753, but the university did not establish the programme for the purpose of professional study, and the lectures were philosophical and theoretical in nature.[18] Blackstone insisted that the study of law should be university based, where concentration on foundational principles can be had, instead of concentration on detail and procedure had through apprenticeship and the Inns of Court.[19]

The Inns of Court continued but became less effective, and admission to the bar still did not require any significant educational activity or examination. Therefore, in 1846, Parliament examined the education and training of prospective barristers and found the system to be inferior to the legal education provided in the United States. Therefore, formal schools of law were called for, but not finally established until later in the century, and even then the bar did not consider a university degree in admission decisions.[12] When law degrees were required by the English bar and bar associations in other common law countries, the LLB became the uniform degree for lawyers in common law countries.

Common law programs[edit | edit source]

In most common law countries (with the exceptions of all Canadian provinces except Quebec, and the United States), the Bachelor of Laws programme is generally entered directly after completion of secondary school.

England and Wales[edit | edit source]

The LLB is an undergraduate course. In England and Wales it is also possible to study a programme for conversion called the Graduate Diploma in Law which allows entry to the legal profession following completion of a previous undergraduate degree unrelated to law, which entitles graduates to take the vocational courses for entry into the legal profession.

Scotland[edit | edit source]

Although Scotland has a mixed legal system, with both civil and common law influences, the undergraduate LLB is the primary route into the legal profession. The Scots Law LLB is generally taken as a four-year honours course, similar to other university degrees in Scotland. Students wishing to satisfy the Law Society of Scotland requirements to become a solicitor must also complete the postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at an approved university.

Australia[edit | edit source]

A qualifying law degree for the purposes of admission as a lawyer in Australia is either the undergraduate LLB program at accredited universities, or the graduate JD (Juris Doctor). Every recognised qualification of each state admission board is reciprocally recognised by all other states. However, prior to degrees, there existed an alternative to a degree to become a lawyer in Australia, which was either the Barrister's Admission Board, or the Solicitor's Admission Board, whose examinations rendered one eligible to be admitted respectively. The successor of these boards that still operates the alternative is the Legal Profession Admission Board, which issues the distinct Diploma in Law, equivalent to either an LLB or a JD Law degrees typically last 4 years for undergraduate admission or 3 years for university graduates.

Of the thirty-eight law schools, thirteen of those universities have also started offering the Juris Doctor as a graduate-entry degree.

Bangladesh[edit | edit source]

In Bangladesh, obtaining an LLB degree is a prerequisite for practising as an advocate in a court of law. Both LLB and LLB (Hons.) degrees are offered at public and private universities. Only seven public universities offer LLB (Hons.) degree. Some private universities also offer four-year LLB (Hons.) degrees and one-year LLM courses. The National University of Bangladesh also offers a two-year LLB degree to graduates of subjects other than law. The University of Rajshahi is the first institute in South Asia to offer a bachelor's degree in law, originally offering the B. Jur. (Bachelor of Jurisprudence) beginning in 1970.[20] Later on, the program was replaced with an LL. B (Hons.) program.

Canada[edit | edit source]

Canada has two legal systems. The Province of Quebec uses a civil law system. At the federal level, as well as in every province or territory except Quebec, a system of common law is used. Because of this, there are two types of Canadian law degrees generally in use.

Common law[edit | edit source]

The programme of study for common law has traditionally been an undergraduate LLB degree, which has now been re-designated as a JD at nearly all Canadian common law schools. Entrants to the JD programme generally hold an undergraduate degree before registration in the law programme and a significant number hold a graduate-level degree as well. However, admission may be granted to applicants with two years of undergraduate studies towards a degree. Unlike the United States, the JD is considered a bachelor's degree-level qualification, albeit a "second-entry" one. The common law programme is three years in length. Upon graduation, one holds a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree. To practise law, the graduate must obtain a licence from the Law Society of the province where they wish to practise law, which requires a year of articling.

Civil law[edit | edit source]

The civil law programme in Canada is three years in length. The programme of study for the first degree in Quebec civil law (called LLB, BCL, or LLL) is a first-entry degree programme. Like other first-entry university programmes in Quebec, it requires a college diploma for entry. Law schools that offer civil law BCL, LLB, or LLL degrees include McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université du Québec à Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, Université Laval and the University of Ottawa.

Bijuridical[edit | edit source]

Because of Canada's dual system of laws, some law schools offer joint or dual degrees in common law and civil law: McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke and the University of Ottawa. The law degree offered by McGill University is a mandatory joint common law LLB and Quebec civil law BCL degree. The programme is four years in length. Admission to that programme is a first-entry programme in the case of Quebec students while it is a second-entry programme in the case of students from other provinces (since two years of university studies is required). The University of Ottawa offers a civil law degree (LLL) on its own.

A number of Canadian law schools allow holders of baccalaureate degrees in Quebec civil law to earn the LLB in common law in two or three semesters. Similarly, the University of Ottawa offers a one-year LLL programme in Quebec civil law for holders of an LLB or JD degree in common law from a Canadian law school.

Additionally, some Canadian universities with common law law schools have an arrangement with a Canadian university with a Quebec civil law law school enabling students to obtain the home school's law degree in three years and the exchange school's law degree in the fourth year.

India[edit | edit source]

In India, legal education is traditionally offered as a three-year graduate degree conferring the title of Bachelor of Laws, requiring prospective students to have a bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognised institution.

However, specialised universities of law known as National Law Universities solely devoted to legal education offer an undergraduate five-year law course for students that have completed Class XII from a recognised board of education in India. The five-year law course leads to an integrated honours degree combining the LLB degree with another bachelor's degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Social Work. In these programs, students are taught subjects associated with the additional non-law bachelor's degree during the first two years, in addition to standard legal subjects such as torts, contracts and constitutional law, such as social sciences for the Bachelor of Arts and a combination of physical, life and applied sciences for the Bachelor of Science. In the latter three years of all these programmes, legal subjects dominate the curriculum.

The first national law school was the National Law School of India University. This was followed by others, including the Nalsar University of Law and West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences. Today, many Indian universities offer five-year integrated BA LLB programmes similar to that of the national law schools of India, while others continue to offer a traditional three-year programme. Both integrated and traditional types of three-year law degrees are recognised by the Bar Council of India for to qualify for enrolment to the Bar. One needs to have a full-time law degree to practice as a lawyer in India. Distance or online education options are not available to become a practising lawyer in India.

Malaysia[edit | edit source]

Malaysia inherited a common law system from the British colonial period. However, unlike the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth countries, Malaysia adopted the fused legal profession with legal practitioners acting both as solicitors and in a way "barristers". Hence all are lawyers eligible and can be admitted to the High Court as a legal professional is entitled to be bestowed with the title "Advocate & Solicitor". This applies to both lawyers practising in the Peninsular Malaysia (Malaya) and the States of Sabah & Sarawak.

Under the Legal Profession Act 1976, a person is deemed to be a qualified person to be admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor if they completed and passed the course of Bar Vocational Course in UK & Wales from any Inns of Court, passed the Certificate in Legal Practice or completed a 4-year LLB (Honours) course from an accredited Malaysian university.

New Zealand[edit | edit source]

An LLB is required to practise law in New Zealand. An LLB typically takes four years to complete, although it is often completed concurrently with another degree, such as a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or Bachelor of Arts (BA), with the combined completion time usually being five years. Most New Zealand universities allow graduates of other degrees to complete an LLB in three years. Six New Zealand universities offer the LLB degree.[21]

Pakistan[edit | edit source]

Pakistan is a common law country and to become a lawyer in Pakistan, one needs an LLB from a Pakistani or a foreign university from common law country recognised by the Pakistan Bar Council.[22] Lawyers in Pakistan are called advocates. An advocate has to be member of one of the provincial Bar Councils, i.e., Punjab Bar Council, Sindh Bar Council, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council, Balochistan Bar Council or the Islamabad Bar Council.

The Bachelor of Laws obtained from universities in Pakistan consists of a 5-year BA-LLB qualification. This rule was laid down by the Pakistan Bar Council in 2016 requiring 5 years of education to obtain a Bachelor of Laws qualification.[23] This change in the legal education rules led to the abolishing of 3 year LLB programs being offered by universities in Pakistan. This rule however does not affect the recognition of LLB degrees of less than 5 years obtained from foreign universities recognised by the Pakistan Bar Council for the purposes of enrolling as an advocate in Pakistan.

Singapore[edit | edit source]

In Singapore, the LLB is an undergraduate degree conferred by three universities: the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Singapore Management University (SMU), and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Graduate JD courses are also available at all three law schools.[24] To be called to the Singapore Bar, graduates are minimally required to possess an LLB or JD from a recognised university.[25]

South Africa[edit | edit source]

File:University of Pretoria Faculty of Law.jpg
University of Pretoria Faculty of Law

In South Africa the LLB is offered both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.[26][27][28] As of 1996 it is the universal and only legal qualification for legal practice, superseding the existing B.Juris. and B.Proc. degrees.[29] The undergraduate programme, offered since 1998, requires four years of study. At the postgraduate level, the programme generally requires three years. Several South African universities offer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce degrees with a major in "Law"; graduates may then undertake a two-year postgraduate-programme. Some universities also offer a one-year programme for holders of the B.Proc. degree.[30]

The curriculum is typically structured around preliminary, core and advanced courses,[31] and most universities also offer elective coursework. The preliminary courses acquaint the students with both the background and the foundations of the South African legal system, and with legal thinking and analysis in general. The core subjects are those regularly required for legal practice.[29] The advanced courses (usually) comprise further study in these core subjects,[32] deepening and / or broadening the student's knowledge as appropriate. The electives – often comprising these advanced courses, amongst others – allow students to specialise in a particular area of law, to an extent, by choosing from a range of optional courses. Some universities also require that students complete an experience based course ("Practical Legal Studies" / "Law clinic"); a credit comprising independent research exclusively is often offered as an elective, and at some universities is a degree requirement.[32]

Depending on university, the curriculum will comprise legal subjects exclusively,[33] or may include humanities subjects so as to prepare graduates with a "broad-based" legal education.[31] Some undergraduate programmes do not offer any optional coursework. Credits in English and Afrikaans are also often included.[33] Along with Latin, these were, but are no longer, "subjects compelled by statute",[34] and were typically entrance requirements for the LLB, having been studied as undergraduate modules. Similarly, Roman Law was previously a preliminary course, whereas, in both the post- and undergraduate degree, it is now offered as an elective.

The structure of the undergraduate programme is under review. The issues noted are: graduates of these programmes are seen to be less prepared for the profession as compared to those pursuing the graduate LLB; only 20% of entrants complete the programme within four years; only about 50% of graduates here enter the legal profession at all.[35] Further, there are those who question the academic standard of the new degree.[36] Some universities have now discontinued the programme;[37] in other cases undergraduate students are required to initially register as Arts, Commerce or Science students – with first year law subjects – and, in the second year of study, only those meeting specified criteria may choose to pursue the four-year LLB.[38]

Alternative titles and formats[edit | edit source]

Irish BCL and LLB[edit | edit source]

The four universities under the National University of Ireland umbrella, award the degree of Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL). Four Irish universities and two Northern Irish universities award an LLB NUIG offer the LLB as a 1-year postgraduate course for holders of the Bachelor of Corporate Law or Bachelor of Arts in law degrees.

Some English and Welsh universities award an LLB in Irish law.

In the nineteenth century, the University of London conferred degrees of LLB on clerical and lay students at St. Patrick's College, Carlow from 1840 onwards.[39]

The King's Inns Barrister-at-Law degree B.L. is a postgraduate degree and is required to practice as a barrister in Ireland.

Zimbabwe B.L. and LLB[edit | edit source]

At the University of Zimbabwe, the first degree in common law was the Bachelor of Laws (BL), which was equivalent to the LLB in other common law jurisdictions. It was followed by a one-year programme at the university (analogous to post-LLB vocational programmes in other common law jurisdictions) at the end of which a second degree, the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), was awarded. The curriculum has since been changed and now only one four-year honours LLB degree is awarded.[40]

Variations on the LLB[edit | edit source]

Some universities in the United Kingdom and New Zealand offer variations, which generally take four years to complete and include a wider range of topics as well as some degree of specialisation or the study of multiple jurisdictions, such as the LLB Law with French Law and Language offered by the University of East Anglia.[41]

Various universities in the United Kingdom and Australia will allow a degree that combines study with a non-law discipline. For example, some universities in the United Kingdom offer a combined study of law and history leading to a BA degree that is accepted by the Law Society and Inns of Court as equivalent to an LLB. [citation needed]

The University of London External Programme in Laws (LLB) has been awarding its law degree via distance learning since 1858.

At the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the principal law degree remains the Bachelor of Arts, in either Jurisprudence or Law, which is equivalent to an LLB in other universities. Traditionally, the LLB at Cambridge, as well as the Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford, were postgraduate degrees for specialising in law. The University of Cambridge, recently, replaced their LLB title with that of the LLM, which Oxford retains the BCL as a master's level course, equivalent to the LLM.

Some universities in the UK including Bournemouth University have a four-year LLB course, which consists of a 40-week industrial work placement.[42] Staffordshire University also offers a two-year full-time LLB course.[43]

LLB programs in syaria and common law have been introduced by some universities in Pakistan and Malaysia.[44][45]

United States[edit | edit source]

The United States no longer offers the LLB, though some universities have introduced bachelor's degrees in legal studies, featuring curricula that include courses in constitutional law, tort law, and criminal law. These degrees may provide an accelerated pathway into the JD program, allowing students to complete both degrees in six instead of seven years.[46][47]

While the LLB was conferred until 1971 at Yale University, since that time, universities in the United States have instead awarded the professional doctorate JD,[48][49] which then became the generally standardised degree in most states as the compulsory prerequisite to sit for the bar exam prior to practice of law.[50] Many law schools converted their basic law degree programmes from LLB to JD in the 1960s, and permitted prior LLB graduates to retroactively receive the new doctorate degrees by returning their LLB in exchange for a JD degree.[51][52] Yale graduates who received LLB degrees prior to 1971 were similarly permitted to change their degree to a JD, though many did not take the option, choosing to retain their LLB degrees.[49]

Before the degree was phased out, notable recipients of the LLB include former United States presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and William Howard Taft; former United States Supreme Court Justices Earl Warren, Anthony Kennedy, William Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O'Connor and Stephen Breyer; former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover; American judge and jurist Richard Allen Posner; as well as the first female commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, Frieda B. Hennock.

Eligibility of foreign graduates in the US[edit | edit source]

The requirements of each of the states vary, and in some states sufficient years of practice in one's home country may allow for those otherwise excluded to sit for the bar exam.

Most states require completion of a law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. As a result, some American law schools offer one-year LLM programmes for foreign attorneys, which qualify foreign lawyers for admission to some state bars.

European LLB programs[edit | edit source]

European Union law permits European Union citizens with LLB degrees from one EU member state, who practise law and have been qualified lawyers in their jurisdiction for three or more years, to practise also in every other member state. The actual procedure to receive the respective national licence is regulated by the member state and therefore differs from country to country, and temporary restrictions may in certain cases exist, but every EU member has to apply the relevant EU Directives to its own national law.

As a consequence of the Bologna Process, recently many universities of applied sciences and a few traditional universities in Germany have introduced LLB programmes, replacing the Diplom-Wirtschaftsjurist degree. The LLB is a three or four-year full-time law degree. As opposed to courses of study leading to the State Examination—the master's-level professional law degree in Germany—most LLB degree programmes concentrate on private law and may feature a component of education in business administration. Graduates of LLB courses can continue LLM studies and in some cases sit for the first State Examination after one or more years of additional law studies in order to qualify for practising law in Germany.

In Malta, the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, offered by the University of Malta, is an undergraduate degree that of itself is not sufficient for admission into any of the legal professions. Likewise, in Italy a five-year course in law (Laurea magistrale in giurisprudenza a ciclo unico) is offered by law schools[citation needed]. The Italian Diploma in Law, equivalent to the LLB, does not directly qualify one for a career in any legal profession, as graduates are required to undergo a traineeship for 18 months before taking a government exam to sit for the Italian bar or take the exam as public notary. Alternatively, this requirement can be met by undertaking two further year of studies (Diploma di specializzazione per le professioni legali – equivalent of a 2-year Master of Arts).[53][54]

In Spain, there is no comparable degree to the LLB Law studies in Spain last for four years in total, culminating in the "Grado en Derecho". Prior to that, the sole degree of "Licenciatura en Derecho" allowed graduates of law direct access to the legal profession without further training and masters. Currently, holders of a Spanish law degree must attend a specific LLM in Legal practice course (similar to the former British LPC) to gain admission to the Spanish bar.

In Denmark, universities now offer three-year LLB programmes, although this is not sufficient to practice law. Students wishing to practice law should continue with a Masters in Law programme, leading to the cand.jur. degree. Alternatively, students may choose to use the LLB as a basis for other courses within the social sciences or humanities.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Historically in Canada, Bachelor of Laws was the name of the first degree in common law, but is also the name of the first degree in Quebec civil law awarded by a number of Quebec universities. Canadian common-law LLB programmes were, in practice, second-entry professional degrees, meaning that the vast majority of those admitted to an LLB programme were already holders of one or more degrees, or, at a minimum (with very few exceptions), have completed two years of study in a first-entry, undergraduate degree in another discipline.
  2. Verger, J. (1999). "Licentia". Lexikon des Mittelalters. Vol. 5. Stuttgart: J.B. Metzler. 1957–1958.
  3. Verger, J. (1999). "Doctor, doctoratus". Lexikon des Mittelalters. Vol. 3. Stuttgart: J.B. Metzler. 1155–1156.
  4. de Ridder-Symoens, Hilde: A History of the University in Europe: Volume 1, Universities in the Middle Ages, Cambridge University Press, 1992, ISBN 0-521-36105-2
  5. Herbermann, et al. (1915). Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Encyclopedia Press. Accessed 26 May 2008.
  6. García y García, A. (1992). "The Faculties of Law," A History of the University in Europe, London: Cambridge University Press. Accessed 26 May 2008.
  7. García y García (1992), 390.
  8. Reed (1921), p. 160.
  9. Reed (1921), p. 161.
  10. Stein (1981), p. 434, 435.
  11. Stein (1981), p. 434, 436.
  12. 12.0 12.1 Stein (1981), p. 436.
  13. Stein (1981), p. 430.
  14. Stein (1981), p. 431.
  15. Stein (1981), p. 432.
  16. Stein (1981), p. 433.
  17. Stein (1981), p. 434.
  18. Stein (1981), p. 435.
  19. Moline, Brian J., Early American Legal Education Archived 9 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine, 42 Washburn Law Journal 775, 793 (2003).
  20. "Rajshahi University Law Department: Pioneer of legal studies in Bangladesh". Forum.daffodilvarsity.edu.bd. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  21. "Thinking of a career in law?". lawsociety.org.nz. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  22. "List of Recognized Universities". pakistanbarcouncil.org. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  23. "LLB degree to require five years of education". The Express Tribune. 25 January 2016. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  24. "NUS Law launches Juris Doctor programme".
  25. "I graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) or one of its predecessors – Ministry of Law". mlaw.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 15 November 2013.
  26. "University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, LLB". Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 8 December 2011.
  27. "Unisa Cart – Info". Archived from the original on 9 March 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  28. [1] Archived 24 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  29. 29.0 29.1 "This website was recently revamped". Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  30. "The Tudors". ufh.ac.za. Archived from the original on 27 November 2013.
  31. 31.0 31.1 "Faculty of Law / Prospective students / Programmes offered". Archived from the original on 21 November 2011. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  32. 32.0 32.1 See for example these degree outlines: UCT, UNISA, Wits.
  33. 33.0 33.1 "Undergraduate and honours qualifications". unisa.ac.za.
  34. "Microsoft Word – Law_DoL_Report.doc" (PDF). Labour.gov.za. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 July 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  35. See for example: The declining South African LLB Archived 29 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine, finweek.com; Low-skilled lawyers prompt calls for law degree reform, University World News.
  36. Scrap 4 year LLB degree – Ngoepe, news24.com.
  37. University of the Witwatersrand: Changes to undergraduate LLB. Archived 18 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine, wits.ac.za
  38. Rhodes University: Law Degree Structure: BACHELOR OF LAWS (LLB) Archived 29 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine, ru.ac.za.
  39. Minutes of the Senate ...: With Indexes. 1837–1850 – University of London. 16 September 2008. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  40. "facultyoflaw: Brief History". 2006. Archived from the original on 24 April 2010.
  41. "Undergraduate LLB Law Course". University of East Anglia. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  42. "Law LLB(Hons)". Bournemouth University. Archived from the original on 23 August 2011. Retrieved 22 October 2010.
  43. "Law (Two-year degree)". Staffordshire University. Archived from the original on 15 November 2010. Retrieved 22 October 2010.
  44. "International Islamic University Malaysia". iium.edu.my. 11 June 2024.
  45. "En. Muhammad Haizuan Rozali, Pendaftar Usim". Usim.edu. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  46. "University of Arizona to Offer Nation's First Bachelor of Arts in Law | College of Law". law.arizona.edu. 4 May 2014. Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  47. "3+3 B.A. Law & Juris Doctor". The University of Arizona College of Social & Behavioral Sciences School of Government & Public Policy. 16 May 2019. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  48. "Glossary of Terms for Graduate Education". Association of American Universities Data Exchange. Archived from the original on 4 March 2009.. National Science Foundation (2006). "Time to Degree of U.S. Research Doctorate Recipients Archived March 8, 2016, at the Wayback Machine," InfoBrief, Science Resource Statistics NSF 06-312, 2006, p. 7. (under "Data notes" mentions that the J.D. is a professional doctorate); San Diego County Bar Association (1969). Law Firm Chicago Archived 8 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed 26 May 2008. (under "other references" discusses differences between academic and professional doctorate, and statement that the J.D. is a professional doctorate); University of Utah (2006). University of Utah – The Graduate School – Graduate Handbook Archived 26 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed 28 May 2008. (the J.D. degree is listed under doctorate degrees); "U.S. Higher Education / Evaluation of the Almanac Chronicle of Higher Education" (PDF). German Federal Ministry of Education. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 March 2009. (report by the German Federal Ministry of Education analysing the Chronicle of Higher Education from the U.S. and stating that the J.D. is a professional doctorate); Encyclopædia Britannica. (2002). Encyclopædia Britannica, 3:962:1a. (the J.D. is listed among other doctorate degrees).
  49. 49.0 49.1 Lattman, Peter (28 September 2007). "Why Did Law Schools Switch from LLBs to JDs?". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
  50. Schoenfeld, Marcus, "J.D. or LL.B. as the Basic Law Degree," Cleveland-Marshall Law Review, Vol. 4, 1963, pp. 573–579, quoted in Joanna Lombard, LL.B. to J.D. and the Professional Degree in Architecture, Proceedings of the 85th ACSA Annual Meeting, Architecture: Material and Imagined and Technology Conference, 1997. pp. 585–591.
  51. Hylton, J. Gordon (30 December 2011). "Why the Law Degree Is Called a J.D. and Not an LL.B." Marquette University Law School Faculty Blog. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
  52. Maher, Kathleen (24 November 2006). "Lawyers are Doctors, Too". Retrieved 17 September 2013. (Notes that by 1969 many law schools were phasing out the LL.B. in favor of the J.D.)
  53. "DECRETO LEGISLATIVO 5 aprile 2006, n. 160 – Normattiva". www.normattiva.it. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  54. "LEGGE 30 luglio 2007, n. 111 – Normattiva". www.normattiva.it. Retrieved 13 September 2022.

Sources[edit | edit source]