Juris Doctor

noun

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Ju·ris Doctor | \ ˈju̇r-əs-

Definition of Juris Doctor

: a degree conferred by a law school usually after three years of full-time study

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“Juris Doctor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Juris%20Doctor. Accessed 3 Dec. 2020.

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juris doctor

noun, often capitalized J&D

ju·ris doc·tor | \ ˈju̇r-əs-ˌdäk-tər \

Legal Definition of juris doctor

: the lowest degree conferred by a law school usually after three years of full-time study or its equivalent — compare master of laws, doctor of laws, doctor of the science of law

Note: The juris doctor replaced the bachelor of laws as the first degree conferred by a law school in 1969. Not all states mention the J.D. or LL.B. specifically as a requirement for admission to the bar, but all states do require graduation from a law school.