JD Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of JD, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is JD?

It’s a short term for Juris Doctor.It means the degree that is awarded to a person after completing his graduation in a law school.

History and Meaning of JD

JD stands for Juris Doctor and is a degree awarded after completing graduation from a law school. It's one of the most widely recognized law degrees in the United States and some other countries like Australia and Canada. The degree got its own status in the late 19th century in the United States. It was initially introduced as an additional degree to be completed after the Bachelor of Laws program. However, over time, it replaced the Bachelor of Laws program in many law schools.

Examples of JD

  1. Mary completed her JD from Harvard Law School.
  2. John is studying for his JD in Constitutional Law.
  3. The job posting requires a minimum qualification of a JD degree.
  4. The firm only hires graduates with a JD from an accredited law school.
  5. The candidates applying for the position should have a JD and licenses to practice law in at least one state.

Legal Terms Similar to JD

  1. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - A degree focused on the study of law that usually takes 3-4 years to complete.
  2. Master of Laws (LLM) - A postgraduate degree for lawyers who want to specialize in a particular area of law.
  3. Doctor of Laws (JSD or SJD) - The highest degree in law and academic study, which typically requires several years of additional coursework beyond the JD or LLM.