Juris Doctorate Degree Key Terms

Find out how basic Juris Doctorate degree terminology can help you
By Nikki Davis Earning a Juris Doctorate degree is a major honor for those who choose to pursue that path. Many people also have to work with those individuals as well, so preparing yourself with knowing the lexicon of the field will enable you to better communicate with those going through the process. The Juris Doctor graduate degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the late 19th century. In most jurisdictions it is a three year program.
 

Familiarizing yourself with the terminology and definitions surrounding this degree program will help a wide variety of individuals. From professors, to spouses to support staff, everyone involved in the process of educating and assisting the nation's future lawyers play a critical roll in these individuals' career development.

Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction is the authority that is given to a legal body to make decisions on legal matters and to administer justice in that area of responsibility.
Try: See more how jurisdiction works through the Committee on Government Oversight and Reform.

Statutory law, statute law

Statutory law, also known as statute law, is written law that is set down by a legislature in order to some way improve society and the civil code.
Try: Find out more about statutory law from the University of Delaware Library.

Administrative law

Administrative law governs the activities of administrative agencies of government and includes rule making and the enforcement of the regulatory agenda. It oversees the decision-making of administrative units of government, and it helps with the regulatory scheme of the nation.
Try: Review information on administrative law from Cornell University Law School.

Bar examination

The bar examination is the test that determines if you are qualified to practice law in your given jurisdiction, which is usually a particular state or set of cooperating states.
Try: Look at information from The New York State Board of Law Examiners.

Tort law

Tort law addresses and gives solutions for civil wrongs that come out of contractual obligations. If someone uses tort law to receive compensation, the other person is held liable, or legally responsible for those injuries.
Try: Check out the University of Pittsburgh School of Law resources on tort law.

Civil procedure

Civil procedure helps oversee civil lawsuits, which differ from criminal proceedings. Civil procedure is a course of study mandated by the American Bar Association.
Try: Take a look at the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure (I.R.C.P.).